Taking on School Leavers

You may employ a school leaver on a full time basis after they reach their statutory school leaving date (the last Friday in June). This includes young people who turn 16 in July or August.

A young worker is someone who is above the minimum school leaving age and under 18 years old. Young workers are subject to stricter regulations, so they cannot exceed 40 hours a week, work more than 8 hours per day, receive a rest period of 12 hours between each working day and they must have a minimum two days complete rest per week. 

In most industries young workers cannot work between 10.00pm and 6.00am, but the rules for night work are complicated so do seek professional advice.

Date published 5 Dec 2012

This article is intended to inform rather than advise and is based on legislation and practice at the time. Taxpayer’s circumstances do vary and if you feel that the information provided is beneficial it is important that you contact us before implementation. If you take, or do not take action as a result of reading this article, before receiving our written endorsement, we will accept no responsibility for any financial loss incurred.