Not sure what age you can start working?
If you’re thinking about finding work for the first time, it isn’t always easy to know what your options are. But there are a wide range of opportunities out there which could suit your skills – and you might not even need to be as old as you think to get started.
Here’s everything you need to know about when you can enter the world of work:
What age can you start working?
The earliest age you can start work is 13.
However, this can only be part-time, and the exact hours you can work will depend on your age.
Can I start working earlier than this?
You may be able to find work earlier than this – but only if you’re involved with acting, modelling, or a similar industry.
In these cases, parental permission (and other laws) will apply.
What age can you start full-time work?
You’ll be able to find a full-time job as soon as you reach the minimum school leaving age.
After this, you can work up to 40 hours per week.
What age can you leave school?
This will vary, depending on your location.
In England, you can leave school at the end of June if you’ll turn 16 before the start of the next school year.
However, you’ll have to stay in full-time education, start an apprenticeship/traineeship, or continue some form of part-time education or training until you turn 18.
In Wales, you can also leave school at the end of June if you’ll turn 16 before the end of the summer holidays.
In Scotland you can leave school at the end of May (if you turn 16 between March and September of that year) or at Christmas (if you turn 16 between October and February). For Northern Ireland you’ll need to turn 16 during the school year in order to leave.
What hours can I work?
Under 15s – Term time
You can work a maximum of 12 hours a week.
This is broken down as:
- Up to two hours on a school day
- Up to five hours on a non-school day (which is not a Sunday)
- Up to two hours on a Sunday
You won’t be able to:
- Work during school hours
- Work more than four hours a day without a one hour break
- Work before 7am or after 7pm
Under 15s – School holidays
You can work a maximum of 25 hours a week.
This is broken down as:
- Up to five hours on a non-school day (which is not a Sunday)
- Up to two hours on a Sunday
You won’t be able to:
- Work without a break of at least 2 weeks a year
- Work before 7am or after 7pm
15 and 16-year-olds – Term time
You can work a maximum of 12 hours a week.
This is broken down as:
- Up to two hours on a school day
- Up to eight hours on a non-school day (which is not a Sunday)
- Up to two hours on a Sunday
You won’t be able to:
- Work during school hours
- Work more than four hours a day without a one hour break
- Work before 7am or after 7pm
15 and 16-year-olds – School holidays
You can work a maximum of 35 hours a week.
This is broken down as:
- Up to eight hours on a non-school day (which is not a Sunday)
- Up to two hours on a Sunday
You won’t be able to:
- Work without a break of at least 2 weeks a year
- Work before 7am or after 7pm
*The above applies to England and Wales. For more information about age rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland, visit gov.uk/child-employment.
How much will I be paid?
You must be of at least school leaving age in order to get the National Minimum Wage.
This is currently set at £4.62 for those aged under 18, and £4.30 for apprentices.
However, if you’re not currently at school leaving age, asking for minimum wage is usually a good place to start. Employers will generally be happy to meet your demands, and it’s a good way of ensuring you’re being paid fairly.
What job can I do?
There are a wide range of jobs available to those aged 13 and above – most of which will be advertised by businesses in your local area.
Work you could consider include:
- Modelling
- Paper rounds
- Babysitting
- Petsitting
- Dog Walking
- Odd jobs (e.g. sorting recycling, cleaning out pets etc. for friends and family)
- Dishwashing
- Collecting glasses
- Golf caddying
- Working for family businesses
We’ve also covered a wide range of jobs for 15 year olds and jobs for 16 year olds, to help inspire you.
And, if you’re over school leaving age, our school leaver CV template is a great way to make sure your application stands out.
*All information was correct at time of writing. Please visit https://www.gov.uk/child-employment for more details.
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