Re: Minimum Work Age
Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act 1996
A child who is over 14 may do light work outside school term where the hours do not exceed 7 in any day or 35 in any week. Slightly longer hours are allowed in work experience programmes, for example, as part of a transition year programme. Such children must, however, have a complete break of at least 21 days during the summer holidays.
Children over 15, but under 16, may work up to 8 hours a week doing light work in school term time.
Even allowing for these exceptions to the general rule, a child under 16 may not work between 8pm and 8am. The Act also lays down minimum rest periods and breaks, including at least a 30-minute break in a 4-hour work period