+44 (0) 1908 774320
   
Roger Eddowes

Essendon Accounts & Tax

Home of the Business Godparent ...

Are you thinking of employing young workers this summer?

Roger Eddowes

CREATED BY ROGER EDDOWES

Published: 27/07/2026 @ 09:00AM

#SummerWorkExperience #FirstJob #GainExperience #YoungWorkers #SeasonalEmployment

The summer holidays are a popular time for young people to gain their first work experience, and many businesses welcome the extra help during their busiest months ...

Considering employing young workers this summer? Here's what you need to know before making your decision

Considering employing young workers this summer? Here's what you need to know before making your decision

While employing teenagers can bring fresh enthusiasm and valuable support, employers should be aware that different legal rules apply depending on the young person's age. Understanding these requirements helps businesses stay compliant while giving young workers a positive introduction to employment.

The law distinguishes between those who are below school-leaving age and young workers who have left compulsory education but are still under 18!

Although both groups can work in certain circumstances, the rules are designed to protect their health, safety and education. Children are generally only permitted to carry out light work that is suitable for their age and does not interfere with schooling.

There are also restrictions on the types of jobs they can perform, with hazardous workplaces and certain industries remaining off-limits.

Working hours are another important consideration. Children are subject to strict limits on the number of hours they can work, particularly during term time, and there are rules covering when they can start and finish work each day.

Even during the school holidays, maximum daily and weekly hours apply. Young workers over school-leaving age have greater flexibility, but are still entitled to enhanced protections, including longer rest breaks and minimum daily and weekly rest periods under working time legislation.

Pay is also determined by age!

Young workers who have reached school leaving age are entitled to receive the appropriate National Minimum Wage rate for their age or apprenticeship status, where applicable. However, children below school leaving age are not covered by National Minimum Wage legislation, although employers should always ensure any agreed pay is fair and clearly communicated.

Businesses should also remember that local authorities may have additional requirements for employing children. In some areas, employers must obtain a child employment permit before work begins, so it is worth checking with the relevant council before making arrangements.

The Government has announced reforms through the
Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026!

Proposed measures include greater flexibility around Sunday working, revised limits on working before school, and a nationwide child employment permit system. Employers who regularly recruit younger workers should keep an eye on these developments and review their policies once the new rules are introduced.

Taking on young workers can be an excellent investment for both employers and the individuals themselves. By understanding the current rules and preparing for future changes, businesses can offer valuable work opportunities while remaining fully compliant with employment legislation.

Until next time ...


ROGER EDDOWES
Join our mailing list! Click here and be one of the first to know when we publish a new blog post!


Would you like to know more?

If anything I've written in my blog post resonates with you and you'd like to discover more of my thoughts about employing young workers, then do call me on 01908 774320 and let's see how I can help you.

Don't forget to stay updated with our daily social media posts on Facebook.

Share the blog love ...

Share this to FacebookBuffer
Share this to FacebookFacebook
Share this to TwitterTwitter
Share this to Linkedin (popup window)Linkedin
Share this to Pinterest (popup window)Pinterest
Share this to WhatsApp (popup window)WhatsApp

#SummerWorkExperience #FirstJob #GainExperience #YoungWorkers #SeasonalEmployment

About Roger Eddowes ...

Roger Eddowes 

Roger trained at Edward Thomas Peirson & Sons in Market Harborough before working at Hartwell & Co, followed by Chancery, as a partner. He started Essendon Accounts and Tax with Helen Beaumont in 2014 as a general practitioner with a hands-on approach.

Roger loves getting his hands dirty, working with emerging, small-to-medium and family businesses to ensure they receive the best possible accountancy advice. Roger utilises an extensive network of business contacts to leverage the best guidance and practical solutions.

More blog posts for you to enjoy ...

Click here to view this blog post


Why Artificial Intelligence is changing recruitment

Artificial intelligence is no longer something businesses are simply experimenting with, and it is rapidly becoming part of everyday life, especially in recruitment. The latest AI hiring trends suggest that this shift will on...

Click here to view this blog post


Growing our team to support yours

At Essendon, we believe that good accounting is about more than numbers. It's about giving business owners confidence that everything is organised, properly handled, and under control ......

Click here to view this blog post


Millions of taxpayers could soon have to pay their tax earlier

Millions of taxpayers could pay their tax earlier under HMRC's proposed self-assessment changes. The move may smooth tax deadlines, but it could also tighten cash flow. For many, the real issue will be how quickly the system ...

Click here to view this blog post


Rising labour costs, energy bills and late payments are holding businesses back

This pressure is feeding straight into weaker cash flow and tighter margins for everyone. Businesses are finding it harder to plan, price and grow when expenses keep climbing faster than demand. It is a messy combination, and...

Click here to view this blog post


HMRC announces tax simplification changes for employers and businesses

I read with interest an announcement by HMRC about a series of measures designed to simplify the tax system, reduce administrative burdens and make it easier for businesses to meet their tax obligations. While many of the pro...

Click here to view this blog post


Who's going to pay for Burnham's Britain?

Burnham's Britain sounds bold, but the maths still has to work. If taxes rise, borrowing climbs, or spending is squeezed, somebody pays. The tricky part is making the politics add up without breaking the economy ......

Click here to view this blog post


How to spend less and save more without feeling deprived

Want to spend less and save more? My blog post today explains how to spot waste, trim bills, and build better habits without feeling restricted. It also covers budgeting, debt, and practical checks that can quietly improve yo...

Click here to view this blog post


HMRC vs giant marshmallows: are they confectionery or fire-toasting food?

The ongoing giant marshmallow case has finally concluded, with HMRC deciding not to appeal. The VAT dispute hinges on whether these oversized treats are confectionery or fire-toasting food, and the ruling suggests that size a...

Other bloggers you may like ...

Click here to view this blog post


Why did I create YourPING? Well, it's simple really: fear ...

Posted by Steffi Lewis on https://www.yourping.uk

I live alone, work from home and have a fairly small circle of close friends. They are wonderful people, and I know they would absolutely be there for ...

Click here to view this blog post


First MTD for Income Tax submissions: Early lessons from the front lines

Posted by Alison Mead on https://blog.siliconbullet.com

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is now becoming a reality for many self-employed individuals and landlords. Bookkeepers across the country are begin ...

Click here to view this blog post


From idea to publication: How sBlogIt! creates your content for you

Posted by Steffi Lewis on https://www.sblogit.com

If blogging continues to fall further down your to-do list, you're not alone. Running a business always demands priority, and turning ideas into consi ...

Click here to view this blog post


The art of outsourcing your visibility so you can get on with running your business

Posted by Jacky Sherman on https://www.jackysherman.com

After years of working as a coach, mentor, and referral marketing specialist, one of the most common conversations I've had with my clients has been a ...

© 2026 by Roger Eddowes

All rights reserved



All content on this blog, including but not limited to text, images, videos and audio, is protected by copyright. No part of this blog may be reproduced, copied, distributed, or otherwise used without the prior written consent of the author. Unauthorised use constitutes a breach of intellectual property rights.

Please note that many elements of this blog have been created using Artificial Intelligence (AI). As such, content may not always reflect verified facts or professional advice. The information provided is for general interest only and should not be relied upon as a sole source for making decisions, financial or otherwise. Readers are strongly advised to seek independent advice from qualified professionals appropriate to their country and situation.

The author of this blog, YourPCM Limited, and its directors, employees, and authorised agents accept no liability for any loss, harm, or consequence arising from the use or interpretation of content found on this site.

The sblogit.com platform is provided on an “as is” basis. By continuing to view or interact with this blog, you acknowledge and accept these terms. If you do not agree with any part of this notice, please cease using this site immediately.

YourPCM Limited is a company registered in the UK and operates exclusively under the jurisdiction of the laws of England and Wales.