Guidance notes for the licence to employ a child application

To complete an application for a licence to employ a child the prospective employer must complete the "apply for a licence to employ a child" application form. In addition the parent or guardian of the child must also complete the "apply for a licence to employ a child" health questionnaire.

An application will not be approved until both parts of the application have been received.

Applications are considered and reviewed in accordance with Children and Young Persons Act 1933 to 1963 (as amended by the Education Acts 1944 to 1976 and the Children Act 1972). The Stockton-on-Tees byelaws relating to the Employment of Children dated 8 February 1999.

This document contains guidance notes for employers, parents and young people on Stockton-on-Tees byelaws relating to the employment of children of compulsory school age.

No child under 13 years of age shall be employed.

Children aged 13 to official school leaving age may be employed in accordance with the local byelaws.

Hours of employment

School days

During term time a child aged from 13 to the end of year 11 may work up to a maximum of 12 hours per week (this includes weekends).

On school days, a child may work for either:

• 1 hour between 7am and 8am plus 1 hour between close of school and 7pm 
• 2 hours between the close of school and 7pm

School holidays

Children aged 13 and 14 years old can work for 5 hours per day up to a maximum of 25 hours per week but not before 7am or after 7pm. 

Children aged 15 until the end of year 11 (last Friday in June if child will be 16 after the summer holidays) can work 8 hours per day up to a maximum of 35 hours per week between 7am and 7pm. 

Employers must ensure that children have two consecutive weeks free from work during the school holidays each year.

Children must have a 1 hour break after 4 hours continuous work.

Saturdays

Children aged 13 and 14 years old can work on Saturdays up to 5 hours between 7am and 7pm. 

Children aged 15 until the end of year 11 (last Friday in June if child will be 16 after the summer holidays) can work on Saturdays up to 8 hours between 7am and 7pm.

Sundays

On Sundays, children can work for a maximum of 2 hours. 

Responsibility of employers

The employer shall keep a notice showing the name, address and date of birth of the child, the occupation in which and the times within which the child may be employed on school days, on Sundays and on weekdays when school is not open. This notice should be available for inspection, when requested, by an officer of Children, Education and Social Care, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.

To obtain a copy of the Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council byelaws relating to the employment of children email the Attendance Team on attendance.team@stockton.gov.uk.