How Many Hours Can a 16 Year Old Work in the UK?

If you’re a 16-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 16-year-old can work 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 16-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 16-year-old work in the UK?’ and how does that impact you here’s a simple answer: 

A 16-year-old in the UK can work a maximum of 40 hours per week if they have left school, or a maximum of 25 hours per week if they are still in full-time education (such as attending school) during school holidays and 12 hours per week during term time.  

How many hours per week can a 16-year-old in the UK work?

In the UK, there are specific regulations around the number of hours a 16-year-old can work per week, which are in place to protect their health, safety, and education.

A 16-year-old in the UK can work a maximum of 40 hours per week if they have left school, or a maximum of 35 hours per week if they are still in compulsory education (such as attending school).

It’s worth noting that there are also restrictions on the type of work that a 16-year-old can do, and they may require a work permit. The employer is responsible for ensuring that these regulations are followed.

How many hours per week can a 16-year-old in the UK work while still at school?

If a 16-year-old is still in full-time education, they can work a maximum of 2 hours per day on school days and Sundays, and a maximum of 8 hours per day on Saturdays and during school holidays. They can also work a maximum of 12 hours per week during term time, and a maximum of 25 hours per week during school holidays.

It’s important to note that these are maximum limits, and employers have a legal responsibility to ensure that young people are not exploited or put at risk by their working conditions. Additionally, it’s important for 16-year-olds to 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.

What time at night can a 16-year-old work until?

In the UK, there are also restrictions on the hours that a 16-year-old can work at night, which are in place to protect their health, safety, and welfare.

If a 16-year-old is in full-time education, they cannot work:

• during school hours on any day
• before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on any day

If a 16-year-old has left school, they cannot work:

• before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m. on any day
• between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. even if they work during these hours, they must have 2 consecutive days off each week

It’s worth noting that there are some exceptions to these rules for certain types of work, such as in the agricultural or entertainment sectors. Additionally, the employer is responsible for ensuring that these regulations are followed.

What age can you get a part-time job in the UK?

In the UK, the minimum age at which someone can start working part-time is 13 years old. However, there are some restrictions on the type of work that they can do and the hours that they can work.

At 13 and 14 years old, young people can work a maximum of 2 hours per day on school days and Sundays, and a maximum of 5 hours per day on Saturdays. They can also work a maximum of 12 hours per week during term time, and a maximum of 25 hours per week during school holidays.

At 15 years old, young people can work a maximum of 8 hours per day on Saturdays and during school holidays, and a maximum of 35 hours per week during school holidays.

At 16 years old, young people can work a maximum of 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week if they have left school. If they are still in full-time education, they can work a maximum of 2 hours per day on school days and Sundays, and a maximum of 8 hours per day on Saturdays and during school holidays.

It’s important to note that these are maximum limits, and employers have a legal responsibility to ensure that young people are not exploited or put at risk by their working conditions.

Frequently asked around how many hours can a 16-year-old work in the UK?

Can 16-year-olds work past 10pm?

In the UK, 16-year-olds who have left school are not allowed to work past 10pm on any day. This restriction is in place to protect their health, safety, and welfare. Even if a 16-year-old is legally allowed to work during the night shift (which depends on the type of work), they must still finish work by 10pm.

It’s important to note that these restrictions apply to all young workers aged under 18, not just 16-year-olds. Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure that they comply with the regulations around working hours for young workers.

How many hours can a 14-year-old work in the UK?

In the UK, 14-year-olds can work a maximum of 2 hours per day on school days and Sundays, and a maximum of 5 hours per day on Saturdays. They can also work a maximum of 12 hours per week during term time, and a maximum of 25 hours per week during school holidays.

It’s important to note that there are also restrictions on the type of work that a 14-year-old can do, and they may require a work permit. The employer is responsible for ensuring that these regulations are followed.

Additionally, young people under the age of 16 are considered “children” in the eyes of the law and have additional protections around their health, safety, and welfare. Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure that they comply with these protections, and to provide a safe and appropriate working environment for young workers.

Conclusion

To conclude, if you’re a 16-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, 16-year-olds who are still in full-time education can work a maximum of 2 hours per day on school days and Sundays, and a maximum of 8 hours per day on Saturdays and during school holidays. They can also work a maximum of 12 hours per week during term time, and a maximum of 25 hours per week during school holidays. 16-year-olds who have left school can work a maximum of 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week.

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.