Child Employment – What you need to know
Children who work is becoming more common - but it’s not always recognised as “employment”.
We’re seeing a rise in:
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Children helping in family or home-based businesses
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Young people running their own online businesses or social media ventures
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Informal work arrangements that may not be properly licensed
This makes it more important than ever that all Council staff understand the rules and know what to look out for.
Child employment is regulated to ensure that children are safe and protected, that their work does not affect their health or education and that employers are meeting their legal responsibilities
Even when work seems informal or harmless, a licence may still be required.
What counts as Child Emplyment
What Counts as Child Employment?
Child employment isn’t just working in shops or cafés. It can include:
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Helping in a family business
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Working from home (e.g. packing orders, admin tasks)
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Running an online business (e.g. selling products, content creation generating income)
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Any paid work undertaken by a child under 16
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Voluntary work
If a child is being paid or contributing to a business, it is likely to be classed as employment.
Children must be licensed to work
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Children with their own businesses still need a licence
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Children under 13 cannot work
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There are strict limits on hours and conditions of work
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These rules apply even if the work is at home or for family members
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These rules apply even if the work is unpaid
Everyone Has a Role
Everyone Has a Role
Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility.
You may come across child employment through your role in:
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Children’s Services
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Regulatory Services
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Housing or community roles
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Partnership work with NHS, Police, or schools
If something doesn’t seem right, it’s important to recognise it and act.
Please look out for children regularly helping with business activities, young people talking about earning money through online work, work that appears to exceed appropriate hours and no evidence of a child employment licence.
What Should You Do
What Should You Do?
If you think a child may be working: