You must have a child work permit to employ a child. The permit shows that the child’s employment has been registered with us and is legal.
It’s against the law to employ a child without a permit.
Employment includes any type of paid or voluntary work done for a person, organisation or business considered the child’s employer.
Please note:
- children over 16 but still in Year 11 at school also need a permit.
- work experience doesn’t require a child work permit.
How to apply
The person employing the child needs to apply.
Application process:
- The employer applies online for a child work permit.
- The child’s parent or carer receives an email to authorise the application.
- Our licensing team reviews the application.
If approved, we’ll email the permit to the employer and copy in the parent or carer.
Changes to a work permit
Once a work permit has been issued, you need to let us know if the employment changes.
If the job is affecting the child’s school attendance or performance, we may advise you to make changes to the job or revoke the work permit. For example, change the working hours if the child is always late for school.
Contact us
If you have any questions or need advice on child employment, email childemployment@portsmouthcc.gov.uk