Jobs

This includes a number of options for example, full or part-time jobs which can be seasonal (summer holidays or Christmas time), temporary or permanent. 

Working part time
Getting a temporary or holiday job is a good way to gain experience of work and relevant skills which will be useful later on. 

Until you reach the school leaving age you can only work if you’ve registered for a work permit.  To get a permit your application form must be signed by your parent or carer.  Your employer will then apply for a work permit for you. 



You can only do ‘light work’ that keeps you safe from danger and does not interfere with your school work.  For example you can be employed in a wide range of jobs like cafés, restaurants or riding stables but you couldn't work in a factory or on a building site.

There are a lot of rules that control working hours but the basic ones are for 15 and 16 year olds while you're still at school:

Term time

• you can only work for two hours on weekdays and Sundays
• you can only work for eight hours on Saturdays

School holidays

• you can work for up to eight hours on a weekday or a Saturday
• you can't work for more than two hours on a Sunday

You cannot work before 7.00 am or after 7.00 pm on any day.

There is no national minimum wage for young people under 16. 

Working full time
At 16 years of age if you decide you want to start working you will need to prepare yourself to give you the best chance of getting a job. 

You need to have a clear idea what you want to do.  You need to look out for job opportunities you think might be right for you but be prepared to be flexible.  If your first job is not what you want to do in the long term it could be a way of gaining relevant skills and experience which will help you later on. 

You need to prepare yourself to give you the best chance of getting a job and Connexions can guide you through the process.  This includes helping you to create your CV which is a summary of your education, work experience and skills, helping you to search for job vacancies, applying for jobs and preparing you for the interview.  In Connexions centres you will find: 

• job vacancies
• free access to the internet so you can search for job opportunities and create your CV
• CV and Interview Skills workshops (to register click on the link at the bottom of this page).

Until you reach the age of 18 you are classed as a young worker who cannot usually be made to work more that eight hours per day or 40 hours per week.

If you need to work longer than 40 hours a week, or you think your employer is unfairly asking you to work over this limit, contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau on 08444 111 444 or the Pay and Work Rights helpline on 0800 917 2368.

Helpful links:
Job search
CV creator
'Getting a job' booklet
CV and Interview Skills workshops
National Minimum Wage