Employing teenagers in your store? Here’s some helpful advice from RGDATA

Employing teenagers in your store? Here’s some helpful advice from RGDATA

RGDATA has some advice for retailers employing young persons and  teenagers in-store.

Q. At what age can a child or young person be employed?
A. In general, the law prohibits the employment of children under 16 years. Employers may, however, take on 14 and 15 year olds, on light
work.

Q. Are there limits on starting and finishing times for children or young persons?
A. Children under 16 years of age are not permitted to start work before 8.00 a.m. They are not allowed to work beyond 8.00 p.m. on any day.
Young persons aged 16 and 17 years are not permitted to start work before 6.00 a.m. They must finish work at 10.00 p.m. on days preceding
a school day. They may work up to 11.00 p.m. on days where they have no school the next day.

Q. How many hours can a child or young person work each day/week?
A. Children aged 15 years can work a maximum of 8 hours a week during term-time, a maximum of 35 hours during school holidays, and up
to 40 hours on work experience.

Q. Are young persons or children entitled to special work breaks?
A. Under 16s must be given a 30 minute break after working 4 hours. They must be given a break of 14 hours in every 24 hours, and 2 days
off in every 7. Young persons aged 16 and 17 years must be given a 30 minute break after working 4½ hours. They are entitled to 12 hours off in every 24 hours and 2 days off in every 7 days