Child Employment

Coventry Education Welfare Service is responsible for issuing work permits and monitoring all children who seek part-time employment (outside education/learning hours).

What the law says about children working

The youngest age a child can work part-time is 13, except children involved in areas like:

television
theatre
modelling
Children working in these areas will need a performance licence. / Children can only start full-time work once they’ve reached the minimum school leaving age - they can then work up to a maximum of 40 hours a week.

Once someone reaches 16, you may need to pay them through PAYE.

Once someone reaches 18, adult employment rights and rules then apply.

In England, a young person must be in part-time education or training until they’re 18

Please also note:

There is currently, no minimum wage for children. Ask your parents what is a reasonable wage for the work you wish to do.

Even if you work with your parents in a family business, they must still apply for a work permit.

The law says "A child assisting in any trade or occupation carried out for profit or gain is deemed to be employed even if he/she receives no award for his/her labour."

You may be asked to show your permit by the police or council officials. Always ask to see their identity card before talking to anyone you do not know.

Who to contact

E-mail
cme@coventry.gov.uk
Website
Coventry City Council website
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Where to go

Name
Coventry Education Welfare Service
Postcode

CV6 1AB

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