How Many Hours Can a 15-year-old Work in the UK?

If you’re a 15-year-old looking for part-time work or an employer considering hiring young workers, it’s important to understand the regulations around working hours for this age group. The UK has strict rules in place to protect the health, safety, and education of young workers, and it’s important for both employers and employees to be aware of their rights and responsibilities. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the maximum number of hours that a 15-year-old can work legally in the UK, as well as any restrictions around working hours during term time and school holidays. We’ll also look at the types of work that are allowed for 15-year-olds and any other regulations that employers should be aware of. 

So, if you have ever been left scratching your head wondering ‘how many hours can a 15-year-old work in the UK?’ and how does that impact you here’s a simple answer: 

A 15-year-old in the UK can work a maximum of 12 hours per week, with a maximum of 2 hours on a school day and Sundays and a maximum of 8 hours on Saturdays. During school holidays 15-year-olds are allowed to work a maximum of 35 hours per week with a maximum of 8 hours on Saturdays and 2 hours on Sundays. 

How many hours per week can a 15-year-old in the UK work?

In the UK, there are specific regulations around the number of hours a 15-year-old can work per week, which are in place to protect their health, safety, and education. The following rules applied for 15-year-olds in the UK:

• During term time (when school is in session):
  • 15-year-olds are allowed to work a maximum of 12 hours per week.
  • They can work a maximum of 2 hours on school days and Sundays.
  • On Saturdays, they can work a maximum of 5 hours.

• During school holidays (including weekends and the Christmas holiday period):
  • 15-year-olds are allowed to work a maximum of 35 hours per week.
  • They can work a maximum of 8 hours on weekdays and Saturdays.
  • On Sundays, they can work a maximum of 2 hours.

It’s crucial to remember that the type of work and the conditions under which young people can work are also tightly regulated, so it’s essential to check with the official government website or consult a local authority to ensure compliance with current laws and regulations. 

Additionally, certain jobs may have different rules and exemptions, such as part-time work in the entertainment industry.

Can a 15-year-old work after 7pm in the UK?

There are specific restrictions on the hours that 15-year-olds could work in the UK. During term time, 15-year-olds are not allowed to work past 7pm on any day.

However, during school holidays (including weekends and the Christmas holiday period), there was no specific restriction on the end time of work for 15-year-olds. 

Nevertheless, it’s important to keep in mind that certain jobs and industries might have their own rules and regulations, and it’s essential to check with the official government sources or consult a local authority to ensure compliance with the most up-to-date laws and restrictions.

How many hours can a 15-year-old work at once?

The maximum hours a 15-year-old can work at once in the UK depends on whether it is a school day or a non-school day (e.g., weekends and school holidays). The rules are as follows:

• During term time (when school is in session):
  • 15-year-olds are allowed to work a maximum of 2 hours on school days (Monday to Friday).
  • On Sundays, they can work a maximum of 2 hours.

• On Saturdays, during term time:
  • 15-year-olds are allowed to work a maximum of 8 hours.

• During school holidays (including weekends and the Christmas holiday period):
  • 15-year-olds are allowed to work a maximum of 8 hours on weekdays (Monday to Friday).
  • On Saturdays and Sundays, they can work a maximum of 2 hours each day.

Please note that these hours represent the maximum time a 15-year-old can work at one go during the specified periods. 

These rules are in place to ensure young people have time for their education, leisure activities, and rest. Moreover, certain jobs may have different rules and exemptions, such as part-time work in the entertainment industry.

Did You Know? The rules for 13-year-old workers are different to 15-year-olds.

What is the minimum wage for a 15-year-old in the UK?

There is no specific minimum wage set for 15-year-olds in the UK. The national minimum wage and national living wage rates are typically based on age, with different rates for individuals aged 16 to 17, 18 to 20, 21 to 22, and 23 and over.

Remember there may be a variety of options available for part-time work for a 15-year-old so trying to set a low rate may be a false economy. 

We would recommend having a look at what current rates are being offered for similar roles to ensure you are competitive and get a selection of good candidates for your job. 

As of 1^st April 2023, the rates were as follows:

1. Ages 16 to 17: £5.28 per hour
2. Ages 18 to 20: £7.49 per hour
3. Ages 21 to 22: £10.18 per hour
4. Ages 23 and over: £10.42 per hour
5. Apprenticeship rate £5.28 per hour

It’s important to note that these rates are subject to change, and the UK government may review and adjust them periodically. 

Additionally, some specific industries or jobs may have different rates or exemptions, so it’s essential to verify the current rates with the official government sources or consult a local authority to ensure compliance with the latest regulations.

FAQs on how many hours 15-year-olds can work legally in a day

How many hours should a 15-year-old work?

The UK government sets specific restrictions on the number of hours a 15-year-old can work, considering their age and whether it’s a school day or a non-school day (e.g., weekends and school holidays). The rules aim to balance work opportunities for young people while ensuring they have enough time for their education, rest, and leisure activities.

During term time (when school is in session):

• 15-year-olds are allowed to work a maximum of 12 hours per week.

The breakdown of hours during term time is as follows:

• They can work a maximum of 2 hours on school days (Monday to Friday).
• On Sundays, they can work a maximum of 2 hours.
• On Saturdays, they can work a maximum of 8 hours.

During school holidays (including weekends and the Christmas holiday period):

• 15-year-olds are allowed to work a maximum of 35 hours per week.

The breakdown of hours during school holidays is as follows:

• They can work a maximum of 8 hours on weekdays (Monday to Friday) and Saturdays
• On Sundays, they can work a maximum of 2 hours each day.

Can you work at Tesco at 15? 

Tesco, one of the largest retailers in the UK, typically requires employees to be at least 16 years old to work in their stores. This is in line with the legal working age for most types of jobs in the UK.

While 15-year-olds may have limited work opportunities due to legal restrictions on working hours and types of work, they might still find employment in certain roles that are exempt from these restrictions, such as delivering newspapers or working in certain types of entertainment or doing babysitting or gardening work.

If you are interested in working at Tesco or any other specific company, it’s best to directly enquire with the company’s human resources department or visit their official website to check their minimum age requirements and any potential job opportunities for young workers. Keep in mind that specific roles within the company may have different age requirements and responsibilities, so it’s essential to clarify this directly with the employer.

Is it illegal to work 8 hours without a break in the UK? 

In the UK, the law requires that workers, including those under the age of 18, have certain rights concerning breaks and rest periods. The specific rules may vary depending on the individual’s age, working hours, and the nature of their employment.

For workers aged 16 and 17:

• If a young person works for more than 4.5 hours consecutively, they are entitled to a rest break of at least 30 minutes.
• This break should be taken in one go and cannot be divided into shorter periods.
• The break should be away from the workstation and working environment.

For adult workers aged 18 and over:

• If a worker works for 6 hours or more consecutively, they are entitled to a rest break of at least 20 minutes.
  • Like for young workers, this break should be taken in one go and not split into shorter periods.
  • The break should be away from the workstation and working environment.

It’s essential to note that there might be specific exceptions or additional rules for certain industries or job roles. Also, in some cases, workers can agree with their employers to take their break at a different time if there is a valid reason for doing so.

Labour laws can be subject to updates and changes, so staying informed is crucial.

Can a 15-year-old work in a pub in the UK? 

A15-year-old is generally not allowed to work in a pub in the UK due to the legal restrictions on the types of work that young people can undertake. The minimum age for working in a pub in a serving capacity (including selling alcohol) is 18 years old.

However, there might be some exceptions or specific roles within a pub where a 15-year-old may be allowed to work, such as working in the kitchen or other non-serving roles. These roles would need to comply with the rules and regulations regarding the employment of young people, including restrictions on working hours and types of work.

Specific job opportunities and their respective age requirements can vary, so it’s crucial to inquire directly with the pub or establishment in question to determine if they have any openings suitable for a 15-year-old.

Conclusion

To conclude, if you’re a 15-year-old looking for part-time work in the UK or an employer considering hiring young workers, it’s crucial to understand the regulations surrounding working hours for this age group. The UK has strict rules in place to protect young workers’ welfare, health, and education, and employers have a legal responsibility to comply with these regulations.

In summary, 15-year-olds who are still in full-time education can work a maximum of 12 hours per week including 2 hours per day on school days and Sundays, and a maximum of 5 hours per day on Saturdays. During school holidays 15-year-olds can also work a maximum of 35 hours per week with a maximum of 8 hours on Saturday and 2 hours on a Sunday.

It’s important to remember that these are maximum limits, and employers should ensure that young workers are not exploited or put at risk by their working conditions. Additionally, young workers should prioritise their education, and employers should not schedule work hours that conflict with their school schedule or prevent them from completing homework or other school-related activities.

By following these regulations and guidelines, employers and young workers can work together to ensure a safe and productive work environment while also prioritising education and personal development.

You might also like…

• The rules on working hours for 14-year-olds
• The rules on working hours for 16-year-olds