Child Employment

If you wish to employ children and young people, please note the following important information:

• Age: Children and young people over the age of 13 are allowed to work part-time
• Work Hours: They can work after school, at weekends or during the school holidays
• Definition of Employment: A child is considered employed when they help in a profit-making trade or business, whether or not they are paid. This includes working for a family business
• Registration: Children must be registered with Dudley Council to work and will be issued a work permit
• Work Permit Application: It is the responsibility of the Employer to apply for a work permit once they have signed up to our Code of Practice. Parents are required to check and sign the work permit application form and will be sent a copy of the child's work permit once it has been issued
• Legal Requirement: Employing a child without a work permit is illegal and could result in prosecution

To register as an employer of children, follow these steps:

1. Employer Check

Every new employer undergoes a suitability check. This will involve a visit from the Child Employment Officer to inspect the premises and ensure compliance with byelaws. To request a visit, email Child.Employment@dudley.gov.uk

2. Code of Practice

If employment is permitted, you must sign up to the Code of Practice (read the policy below).  This is a policy for employers across the Dudley Borough to support a common approach with the Local Authority across the area in the employment of children.

3. Work Permit Application

Apply for a work permit for each child within seven days of their start date. Work permits are free and the application process is straightforward. Apply to the Local Authority where the child will work. If you are unsure of the area, you can use this website to find the Local Authority by postcode

Return the completed form to child.employment@dudley.gov.uk

or post to:

Child Employment Officer
The School Attendance and Education Support Service
Council House
Priory Road
Dudley
DY1 1HF

4. Compliance

Follow the law on working hours for children and local byelaws set by the council on the types of work that children can and can't be employed to do.

5. Risk Assessment

Conduct a risk assessment considering the child’s age and maturity, and inform the child's parents about any risks and protective measures.

• The Health and Safety (Young Persons) Regulations, 1997 require employers to carry out an appropriate risk assessment, before a child is employed. This should be a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to the health and safety of the young person to which he or she is exposed whilst at work
• Health and Safety law recognises that young persons in the workplace are particularly vulnerable and that extra precautions may be needed due to their limited experience, their possible lack of physical abilities and their poor awareness of risks
• The key findings of the risk assessment and the control measures introduced must be reported to parent
• Further information and guidance on ensuring  an appropriate risk assessment has been carried out can be found on Health and Safety Executive and Dudley Health and Safety

• Young people volunteering in certain environments require a work permit from the local authority if they are 'contributing to a business carried out for profit'. This can apply even if the young person is not being paid
• It also applies even if the profit is used to fund charitable works. For example, a young person volunteering in a charity shop would require a permit. Equally, if a young person is volunteering in a restaurant this would require a permit
• Volunteers must be over 13 years of age and must carry out the role within the permitted hours allowed by law
• If you already have young people volunteering with you who may require a permit, please contact Child.Employment@dudley.gov.uk for advice and guidance, or to request a new employer visit

• A permit is not required, as all checks are in place by the D of E Assessor.  If you decide to offer the young person a voluntary or paid job after they have completed the voluntary work for the D of E Award, then you will need to apply for a permit
• If you are unsure whether a young person requires a permit to volunteer for your organisation or would like further information, please contact the Child Employment Officer: child.employment@dudley.gov.uk

You can find out more about relevant legislation on the National Network for Children in Employment and Entertainment (NNCEE) website. Please note that this is an external website and we are not responsible for their content or the accuracy of information provided.

Use this form to report suspected illegal employment of children within Dudley. Once you've filled it in, upload it to the School Attendance and Education Support section on MyDudley

For more information contact the Child Employment Officer on 01384 814314 or email child.employment@dudley.gov.uk