Child Work Permits
In Scotland, the law states that children, who are under school leaving age, are allowed to work but only if, for example, their safety, health, development and education etc. are not put at risk. The rules about employing children are set by each local authority, therefore can differ across Scotland.
You can be employed whether or not you are paid for the work. The same rules apply if you are employed by a parent or carer.
Under child employment law, children under 13 cannot be employed. However, children under the age of 13 years can take part in sport, advertising, modelling, films, television, theatre productions or other entertainment, if the local authority child performance licensing rules are followed.
- Work permits can only be issued to children under school leaving age (minimum age 13) - see Byelaws below for further information
Children must not work:
- Before the end of the school day (i.e during school hours)
- Before 7.00 am or after 7.00 pm
- More than 2 hours on a Sunday
The permitted hours of work are:
Term Time
- For under 15 years, no more than 2 hours per school day and no more than 5 hours any other day (i.e. Saturday) and no more than 12 hours per week
- For 15 years and over, no more than 2 hours per school day or 8 hours any other day (i.e. Saturday) and no more than 12 hours per week
Non Term Time
- For under 15 years, no more than 5 hours per day and no more than 25 hours per week
- For 15 years and over, no more than 8 hours per day and no more than 35 hours per week
To submit a request for a child work permit, please ensure you read and understand the guidance above and arrange for the application Work permit application 2025 (Word doc, 27 KB) to be completed and returned to Edservicesperformancelicence@south-ayrshire.gov.uk
For any enquires please email Edservicesperformancelicence@south-ayrshire.gov.uk
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