IYSS

Employing Young People

What is the national minimum wage (nmw) for young people (YP)?
Young people apart from apprentices and unwaged learners, qualify.  For current rates click here 

When can I employ a school leaver?
You can employ a school leaver on a full time basis after they reach their statutory school leaving date which will be the last Friday in June. This includes young people who reach 16 years of age in July or August.

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 per week, 8 hours per day and are entitled to a minimum two days complete rest per week. For further information click here

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

An employer who employs a young person should carry out a risk assessment which takes particular account of risks to the young person. For further information click here

Is a young person entitled to time off to study when they start work?
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. For further information click here

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. For further information click here

Do young people have the same rights as employees aged over 18?
Yes, all the contractual rights your adult workers enjoy apply to young people, e.g. holiday pay, contracts of employment, payslips, breaks, maternity and sick pay, job description. For further information from ACAS click here

Can I refuse to employ someone because of age or disability?
For further information click here