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
Our Role
Dudley Council had a Child Employment Officer who collaborates with employers, parents, schools and other agencies to ensure that young people work safely, legally and without affecting their education.
Registration and Work Permits
Pre-Employment Visit: A visit may be required before you can employ children
Code of Practice: Employers who are located within the Dudley borough must sign up to our Code of Practice before they are able to apply for a work permit
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
Restrictions
There are age related restrictions on the number of hours children can work and the types of employment they can undertake.
Additional Resources
Child Employment The Essential Guide: Download the guide below for more detailed information.
To register as an employer of children; follow these steps:
Employer Check: Every new employer undergoes a suitability check. This may 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
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. Note: The Code of Practice Agreement form and the Employer Personal Details form will be provided during the visit or emailed if a visit is not required
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
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
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 & 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.
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 for you, who you think may require a permit, then please complete an application form as soon as possible
Duke of Edinburgh Award
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
