Connexions Manchester

What is the minimum wage for young people (YP)?

Young people, apart from apprentices and unwaged learners, do qualify for the national minimum wage, for current rates see Department for Trade & Industry

When can I employ a school leaver?

You may employ a school leaver, on a full time basis, after they reach their statutory school leaving date that is the last Friday in June. This includes young people who turn 16 in July or August.

Who is classed as a young worker?

A young worker is someone who is above the minimum school leaving age and under 18 years old.

How many hours per week can a young person legally work?

All young workers (school leaving age to 18) are limited to working 40 hours a week, 8 hours per day and are entitled to a minimum two days complete rest per week. direct.gov

What hours during the day can a young person legally work?

In most industries young workers (school leaving age to 18) cannot work between 10.00pm and 6.00am or 11.00pm and 7.00am. direct.gov

What Health and Safety implications are there when I employ a young person?

The Health and Safety (Young Persons) Regulations 1997 state - “an employer shall not employ a young person unless he has, in relation to risks to the health and safety of the young person(s), made or reviewed an assessment in accordance with these regulations.” Health & Safety Executive

The job involves heavy lifting, what extra measures do I need to take?

You should provide appropriate equipment to help young employees to lift heavy weights, ensure that young employees have access to other staff who can help if they find it difficult, and provide special training relating to safe lifting of heavy items. Health & Safety Executive

Is a young person entitled to time off to study when they start work?

Young employees aged 16-17, who have not reached a Level 2 qualification have the right to paid time off for study or training for approved qualifications. Department for Children. Schools and Families

How can I get help paying for training a new young employee?

Please contact Connexions for up to date information and advice about the different ways to train your young employees and the funding that is available.

There are several schemes, services and financial benefits available to help employers to recruit or retain employees with disabilities. The Disability Employment Adviser in your local Job Centre will be able to give further advice and information. JobCentre Plus

Do young people have to pay National Insurance?

All employees aged 16 and over should pay National Insurance (NI) if they earn over the NI Threshold. NI entitles people to Statutory Sick Pay, unemployment benefit, Maternity Pay and cover for industrial injuries. HM Revenue & Customs

Can I employ someone under school leaving age? (legally a “child”)

To be employed a child worker has to have a work permit and their employer may have to register with the Local Authority.

Do young people have the same rights as employees aged over 18?

Yes, all of the contractual rights your adult workers enjoy apply to young people e.g. holiday pay, contracts of emploment, payslips, breaks, maternity and sick pay, job description ...