Child employment

Child employment and attendance.

Term time/school holiday rules

During term time children can only work a maximum of 12 hours a week. This includes:

  • ​a maximum of 2 hours on school days and Sundays
  • a maximum of 5 hours on Saturdays for 13 to 14-year-olds, or 8 hours for 15 to 16-year-olds

During school holidays 13 to 14-year-olds are only allowed to work a maximum of 25 hours a week. This includes: 

  • a maximum of 5 hours on weekdays and Saturdays
  • a maximum of 2 hours on Sunday

During school holidays 15 to 16-year-olds can only work a maximum of 35 hours a week. This includes:

  • a maximum of 8 hours on weekdays and Saturdays
  • a maximum of 2 hours on Sunday​

Time and hours permitted for child employment

Term-time: time and hours permitted for child employment
Term-time Age Monday to Friday Saturday Sunday Maximum hours per week
7am to 7pm 13 and 14 2 hours 5 hours 2 hours 12 hours
7am to 7pm 15 and 16 2 hours 8 hours 2 hours 12 hours
School holidays: time and hours permitted for child employment
School holidays Age Monday to Friday Saturday Sunday Maximum hours per week
7am to 7pm 13 and 14 5 hours 5 hours 2 hours 25 hours
7am to 7pm 15 and 16 8 hours 8 hours 2 hours 35 hours

Contact us

If you have any questions relating to a child or young person who is involved in employment or entertainment, contact our Child Employment Team:

Telephone: 0333 013 8967

Email: child.employment@essex.gov.uk