Information correct from May 2021
Have you ever wondered what jobs for 16-year-olds you can do? In the UK, the youngest a person can work is 13 years old! But most teenagers start working from the age of 16, which is the minimum school leaving age a young person can get a full-time job. There are a lot of rules and regulations for young people at work. How many hours can a 16-year-old work and where can 16-year-olds work can be a tricky minefield! But we can tell you, in England, a 16-year-old who is in full-time work, by law, has to be in part-time education or training till they are 18. We have plenty of jobs for 16-year-olds, which is super helpful if you want some extra cash while you’re still at school. Have you considered being an apprentice? You can also learn and earn doing an apprenticeship. Check out apprenticeships near you.
How Many Hours Can A 16-Year-Old Work?
How many hours can a 16-year-old work is a good question, and you should know your rights before starting a new job! Because you’re still in school, your working hours are restricted to fit around your studies.
During term time, you can only work a maximum of 12 hours a week. On school days and Sundays, you can only work a maximum of 2 hours. However, you cannot work before 7 am and after 7 pm. On Saturdays, you can work a maximum of 8 hours. That’s a whole days work!
During school holiday, you can work a maximum of 35 hours a week. This includes a maximum of 8 hours on weekdays and Saturdays. On Sunday you’re only allowed to work a maximum of 2 hours.
16-Year-Old Working Laws
There are a lot of rules and regulations for 16-year-olds who want to work in the UK. Depending on where you live in the UK; you will need to contact your local council and see what local bylaws are allowed. In some cases, some areas will allow a 16-year-old to work longer hours or at different places, so it is worth a check!
Another thing to note about working as a 16-year-old is that you’re not entitled to full workers rights. Because in the eyes of the law, you’re still a child and not yet an adult till you reach the age of 18. 16-year-old working laws means you cannot work in these areas:
- In places like a factory or industrial estate.
- Pubs, gambling shops or other work areas that require an age limit of at least 18.
- You cannot work in a workplace that may be harmful to your health or well-being.
You’re entitled to a few special rules, just for you! You must be able to have at least 1 hour break after every 4 hours worked. You also must have a two-week break away from school and working your job once a year. (Lucky you!) It is against the law to work during school hours, so don’t try it, although tempting, we are sure!
Where Can 16-Year-Olds Work?
Now you know all the rules and regulations, so where can 16-year-old work? Luckily there are a lot of places that want people to cover shifts on Saturdays and want young fit people to deliver pizzas on their bikes. As long as you’re not working in a factory or a pub, you can pretty much work anywhere. Why don’t you create yourself a CV, and send your CV off to various places and try your luck? Remember to check out our jobs for 16-year-olds, too.
16-Year-Old Pay Rate
Having some extra cash is always nice! A 16-year-old pay rate will vary from job to job and how long you work per week. However, by law, you’re not entitled to the minimum wage. If you’re thinking about being an apprentice, your minimum hourly wage is at least £4.15 an hour.
Apply For Jobs Online For 16-Year-Olds
You’re reading this on StudentJob, you have come to the right place to apply for jobs online for 16-year-olds! All you have to do is sign up, upload your CV, even if you have no experience, and start applying! It’s really that easy. We wish you all the best at school and on your job search!
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