Employing children

COVID-19 information

Guidance for employers – Applying for new child employment permits during COVID-19 restrictions

We will consider requests for new child employment permits from employers to enable them to continue with child employment arrangements during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

As a local authority our duty is to ensure that children are not undertaking employment tasks that may be harmful to their health, safety and welfare. In order to satisfy ourselves that any risks posed by the employment of children have been mitigated we are requesting additional information from employers to enable us to reach our decision to agree to issue.

Requests will be considered when they are accompanied by the documentation detailed below.

1. A risk assessment that contains information directly related to Covid-19 and the possible risks to employees.

There is a specific COVID-19 risk assessment template available which may help you. All risks must be thoroughly explored and mitigated. In addition, the usual risk assessment must be completed and provided for each child.

2. A signed medical declaration from the child’s parent.

The risk assessment should consider social distancing measures, use of PPE (personal protective equipment) where appropriate, guidance on handwashing and what should happen if a child is exposed to someone who has or is displaying symptoms of COVID-19. We would also expect to see any role specific advice and guidance for child employees taking into consideration their age, understanding and experience.

These documents will need to be uploaded into the online Child Employment Form and can be found in the downloads section below. Requests will not be considered if documents are incomplete or unsigned. This will enable us to process any requests for permits as quickly as possible. You will be advised of the outcome by email following receipt of the required documents. No child should work until the permit has been agreed by the local authority.

Please ensure that any scanned health declarations & risk assessments do not exceed 1mb in size each, otherwise they will not be received and your application will not be processed

Introduction

Children often want to earn extra money and many parents want their children to do this to help them become independent and self-disciplined. There are laws to protect children in the workplace.

In Somerset, employers are responsible for applying for a work permit for any child they employ. Read ‘The employers responsibility’ section for more information.

Please email any questions about work permits to childrens@somerset.gov.uk

If you have concerns about Illegal child employment or conditions where a child is employed, email educationsafeguarding@somerset.gov.uk

The employer's responsibility

An employer is responsible for discussing the application with the child’s parent or guardian, and for getting the licence.

The parent or guardian must agree before the employer can complete the application process.

Please only fill in the form when the child has been offered employment.

You can find regulations around ‘Employing children in Somerset’ in the downloads section of this page – Somerset bylaws for the employment of children.

Email any questions about work permits to childrens@somerset.gov.uk

Please note: In term-time or school holidays, no child is allowed work before 7am or after 7pm.

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Child performance licence

Children must be licensed by their local authority if they:

perform on stage
perform in television, film, commercial or modelling work
take part in paid or professional sport

and

they are paid, or
they need to be absent from school, or
they will perform for more than four days in any six-month period

Organisations which plan to use children in performance, sport or modelling should apply for a licence at least 21 days before the first rehearsal or performance. People who want to apply for a chaperone licence should apply 8 weeks in advance. The application forms are in the Downloads section of this page.

Part 1 of the form should be completed by the producer of the performance
Part 2 of the form should be completed by the parent of each child involved in the performance.
Part 3 of the form should be completed by the teacher if school time will be missed because of the performance (including rehearsals)

See our Chaperones page for more information.

Any enquiries about children in entertainment should be directed to educationsafeguarding@somerset.gov.uk