You must have a child employment permit if you want to employ a child. It is illegal to employ a child under 13 years of age, and restrictions apply until they reach school leaving age.
By law, a child is employed if he or she assists in a trade or occupation which is carried on for profit – whether or not the child receives any payment or reward for that employment. A parent can be considered as an employer.
- It is illegal to employ a child under the age of 13. You cannot apply for a permit before the child has had their 13th birthday.
- Children can only be employed in specific types of work.
- No child can work at any time between 7pm and 7am.
- No child can work more than 2 hours on a school day.
- A child who works for 4 hours must have a break of at least 1 hour.
- There are different working hours allowed for 13/14 year olds and 15/16 year olds.
- No child can work for more 2 hours on a Sunday.
Find out more about the specific types of work children are allowed to do and the hours they are allowed to work. Many types of work are prohibited for a child under school leaving age.
Permitted types of work and working hours for children (PDF, 344KB)
How do I apply?
Employment permits are specific to the child, the employer, the place of work and the type and hours of work. If a child has more than one job, they will need a permit for each job.
Employment permits depend on the location where the child is working, not the head office of the employer. For example, if a child is working in Denbighshire for a company based in Wrexham, the employer should apply to Denbighshire County Council for a permit. If a child is working in Wrexham for a company based in Denbighshire, the employer should apply to Wrexham County Borough Council.
To apply for a child employment permit, complete an application form and return it to the address on the form together with;
- A risk assessment relating to the activities planned for the young person
- Copies of employers public and personal liability insurance
- 2 passport style photographs of the child
Child employment permit application form (PDF, 317KB)
Timescales
Employers must submit completed forms no later than within 1 week of employment commencing.
How much does it cost?
There is no charge for a child employment permit.