Holiday jobs

Want to earn money in the school holidays?

You can! But it depends what job you want to do and how old you are…

Holiday job factoid There is no minimum wage for under-16s.
(UK employment law)

If you're aged 13 to 15…

• In theory you can work almost anywhere (apart from a pub or bar, obviously). But in reality you're probably restricted to babysitting, cleaning neighbours' cars and walking dogs. Most employers won't take on under 15s.
• There is no minimum wage for under 16s.
• By law you can't work more than 35 hours / week in the school holidays, which boils down to five days, 9-5, with an hour for lunch each day.
• And you can't work before 7am or after 7pm.

If you're 16 or 17…

• The minimum wage for 16-17 year olds is £3 per hour.
• You can't work in a pub or bar, but you can work pretty much anywhere else.
• By law you can't work more than 40 hours / week.

What jobs are out there?

Obviously your options are restricted by the fact that you can only work in the school holidays, but...

• At Christmas most shops take on extra staff. Or you could see if the local shopping-centre Santa needs another elf.
• In the summer there's always fruit picking. Pretty back-breaking work, but you'll get a nice tan : S
• See if you could use your interests to help you find work; if you’re mad about football could you work in a sports shop or help out at a local football club?
• You could also look into working on a primary school play-scheme. They run throughout most school holidays.

Written by [writers name here]

Last updated 17th June 2007

Further help and advice

• Advice Guide: the law and your rights as a young person in employment.
• TheSite.org: Work for Under 18s.
• Directgov: advice on getting a holiday job.

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