July 02, 2026 - 203 views
Parents across the region are being reminded that children taking on part-time work must have a legal child employment permit in place before they start.
Under laws set out in the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, any child aged between 13 and school-leaving age must be issued with a permit by their local authority if they are to take on paid or unpaid work.
The permits, which are free of charge, are issued by the council where the child is employed and are designed to ensure young people are working safely and within legal limits.
In most cases, it is the employer who applies for the permit, although parents or guardians will be contacted to give consent before it is approved.
Local authorities stress that no child should begin work until the permit has been granted.
There are also strict rules on the type of work children can do and the number of hours they are allowed to work. Children are not permitted to work during school hours, and limits are in place to ensure employment does not interfere with education or wellbeing.
Officials say the system is intended to protect young workers while still allowing them to gain valuable experience in the workplace.
Work experience and part-time jobs are often seen as an important stepping stone for young people, helping them develop skills and confidence. However, without the correct permit, children are not covered by workplace insurance, leaving both the employer and family at risk.
Parents seeking more information or wishing to apply for a permit can do so through their local authority, including Conwy County Borough Council’s Child Employment Permit service.
Children are generally able to leave school on the last Friday in June of the academic year in which they turn 16, usually at the end of Year 11, when these restrictions no longer apply.
