Child employment

Children who want to take a part-time job must be aged 13 or over.  The rules apply until they reach official school leaving age.  See byelaws ( 14 kb).

Performance/stage licences for school aged children

The Local Authority also issues licences for school age children to perform in the theatre or on television. Before granting a licence the Authority will liase with the Headteacher of the child's school to ensure that the child's education will not suffer should that licence be granted.

The employer needs to register the employment ( 9 kb) with the Child Employment Officer.

• Children may only work certain hours
  
• There are certain types of employment children are not allowed to do
  
• Parents/Guardians must agree to their child taking up part-time work
  
• The employer is responsible for health and safety while children are working

Parents should make sure they are aware of the:

• Hours of work
  
• Employers telephone number
  
• Employment card details 
  
• Route to and from work

If you need any further information about working while still at school please e-mail employment@sunderland.gov.uk or Tel:  0191 553 5642.   See also Leaflet for Employers ( 220 kb) and Leaflet for Young People ( 242 kb) and Child Performance Licence Application Form ( 28 kb).

DirectGov - Child Employment