Child employment permits

We have a responsibility to ensure that children and young people of compulsory school age may undertake light work. It must not be harmful to their health, development, or education and they must not be exploited. This is in line with the current local byelaws with respect to the employment of children (PDF 47Kb

A young person is employed when they assist with any business which is carried out for profit, whether paid or not. This also applies to children assisting their parents or relatives in a family business.

All young people from the age of 13, who are employed part-time, out of school hours must have an employment permit until they officially leave school. This is the last Friday in June of the school year that the child reaches the age of 16. For example, a child turning 16 in October would still need an employment permit until the last Friday in June of the following year. You can find more information:

How to apply

It's the employer’s responsibility to obtain the employment permit. Employers must:

  • complete the application form within 7 days of the young person starting work
  • complete a separate application form for each child that they employ
  • carry out a risk assessment, specific to the work that will be carried out by the young person

Part of the application form must be completed by the young person's parents. Parents must:

  • sign the form to confirm that their child is medically fit to take on the work
  • confirm that they have been advised about the risk assessment that has been carried out
  • provide a photocopy of the young person's birth certificate

Apply for a child employment permit

Email your completed form and photocopy of the young person’s birth certificate to child.licensing@stockport.gov.uk.