Jobs For 16-Year-Olds | StudentJob UK (2024)

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Information correct from May 2021

Have you ever wondered what jobs for 16-year-olds you can do? In the UK, the youngest a person can work is 13 years old! But most teenagers start working from the age of 16, which is the minimum school leaving age a young person can get a full-time job. There are a lot of rules and regulations for young people at work. How many hours can a 16-year-old work and where can 16-year-olds work can be a tricky minefield! But we can tell you, in England, a 16-year-old who is in full-time work, by law, has to be in part-time education or training till they are 18. We have plenty of jobs for 16-year-olds, which is super helpful if you want some extra cash while you’re still at school. Have you considered being an apprentice? You can also learn and earn doing an apprenticeship. Check out apprenticeships near you.

How Many Hours Can A 16-Year-Old Work?

How many hours can a 16-year-old work is a good question, and you should know your rights before starting a new job! Because you’re still in school, your working hours are restricted to fit around your studies.

During term time, you can only work a maximum of 12 hours a week. On school days and Sundays, you can only work a maximum of 2 hours. However, you cannot work before 7 am and after 7 pm. On Saturdays, you can work a maximum of 8 hours. That’s a whole days work!

During school holiday, you can work a maximum of 35 hours a week. This includes a maximum of 8 hours on weekdays and Saturdays. On Sunday you’re only allowed to work a maximum of 2 hours.

16-Year-Old Working Laws

There are a lot of rules and regulations for 16-year-olds who want to work in the UK. Depending on where you live in the UK; you will need to contact your local council and see what local bylaws are allowed. In some cases, some areas will allow a 16-year-old to work longer hours or at different places, so it is worth a check!

Another thing to note about working as a 16-year-old is that you’re not entitled to full workers rights. Because in the eyes of the law, you’re still a child and not yet an adult till you reach the age of 18. 16-year-old working laws means you cannot work in these areas:

  • In places like a factory or industrial estate.
  • Pubs, gambling shops or other work areas that require an age limit of at least 18.
  • You cannot work in a workplace that may be harmful to your health or well-being.

You’re entitled to a few special rules, just for you! You must be able to have at least 1 hour break after every 4 hours worked. You also must have a two-week break away from school and working your job once a year. (Lucky you!) It is against the law to work during school hours, so don’t try it, although tempting, we are sure!

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Where Can 16-Year-Olds Work?

Now you know all the rules and regulations, so where can 16-year-old work? Luckily there are a lot of places that want people to cover shifts on Saturdays and want young fit people to deliver pizzas on their bikes. As long as you’re not working in a factory or a pub, you can pretty much work anywhere. Why don’t you create yourself a CV, and send your CV off to various places and try your luck? Remember to check out our jobs for 16-year-olds, too.

16-Year-Old Pay Rate

Having some extra cash is always nice! A 16-year-old pay rate will vary from job to job and how long you work per week. However, by law, you’re not entitled to the minimum wage. If you’re thinking about being an apprentice, your minimum hourly wage is at least £4.15 an hour.

Apply For Jobs Online For 16-Year-Olds

You’re reading this on StudentJob, you have come to the right place to apply for jobs online for 16-year-olds! All you have to do is sign up, upload your CV, even if you have no experience, and start applying! It’s really that easy. We wish you all the best at school and on your job search!

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Jobs For 16-Year-Olds | StudentJob UK (2024)

FAQs

What jobs can 16 year olds do in the UK? ›

“16-year-olds can do most jobs part-time alongside any education or training – like tutoring, working in retail and waiting in a restaurant. These are all great ways to learn more about the world of work, meet new people and earn that all important money.

Is a 16 year old eligible to work in the UK? ›

Young people can start full-time employment as soon as they leave school, which is on the last Friday in June of the year that they turn 16 years old. Please note that there is now a requirement for young people to continue to participate in education and training up until the age of 18.

What's the easiest job to get at 16? ›

11 of the best first jobs for 16-year-olds
  • Lifeguard.
  • Barista.
  • Camp counselor.
  • Retail sales associate.
  • Blogger.
  • Dog walker.
  • Babysitter.
  • Tutor.
Apr 18, 2024

How do I get a job when I'm 16? ›

How to get a job as a teenager
  1. Determine what type of job you want. Think about the kind of job you want before you start applying. ...
  2. Search for jobs. ...
  3. Build your network. ...
  4. Get a work permit, if needed. ...
  5. Create your resume. ...
  6. Add a cover letter. ...
  7. Submit applications. ...
  8. Prepare for interviews or job tests.

Can you work at Mcdonald's at 16 UK? ›

If your 16th birthday falls within your last school year of September to August then you can start work on the 1st July in your last school year. If your 16th birthday is between March to September you can start 31st May this year.

How can I make money at 16 UK? ›

11 ways teens could make money
  1. Selling second-hand clothes.
  2. Making jewellery.
  3. Social media manager.
  4. Sign up to paid surveys.
  5. Become an influencer.
  6. Livestream on Twitch.
  7. Washing cars.
  8. Tutoring.

What can you legally do at 16 in the UK? ›

Age 16
  • Drink wine, beer or cider with a meal in a restaurant.
  • Legally have consensual sex.
  • Get married with parent's permission. ...
  • Get a licence to drive a moped.
  • Claim benefits in some circ*mstances.
  • Open a bank account without parent's permission.
  • Get a full-time job.

Can you be self employed at 16 UK? ›

Yes, you can. You will have extra challenges ahead of you, because until you're 18 you'll have barriers to setting up your own business bank account, getting credit and raising business finance.

Where do most 16 year olds work? ›

Retail. Working in retail is a common choice for 16-year-olds. Stores like Target or grocery chains like Publix are examples of various types of retail. Department stores and shops at the mall are other examples.

What jobs pay highest at 16? ›

High-paying jobs for teens
  • Delivery service driver. ...
  • Landscape laborer. ...
  • Youth sports referee. ...
  • Caddy. ...
  • Babysitter. ...
  • Automotive technician. ...
  • Tutor. National average hourly wage: $24.84 per hour Primary duties: A tutor is responsible for teaching and aiding students with their coursework outside of regular school hours. ...
  • Dog walker.
Aug 25, 2023

What companies pay 16 year olds the most? ›

Top paying retailers for 16 year olds
  • Tesco - 16 year olds pay £11.02-12.02 per hour. ...
  • Zara - 16 year olds pay £9.55-12.00 per hour. ...
  • Primark - 16 year olds pay £11.00-12.00 per hour. ...
  • Sainsbury's - 16 year olds pay £11.00-12.00 per hour. ...
  • Lush - 16 year olds pay £9.90-11.97 per hour.
Jan 16, 2020

Can a 16 year old girl get a job? ›

However, 16 years old still have some good options and can find creative ways to get first jobs, even without experience. You can do this by knowing about age restrictions, having a resume, using connections you have, making a job for yourself, pursuing online opportunities, and preparing to do well in an interview.

Does a job know how old you are? ›

Though an employer cannot discriminate against an applicant because of their age, it is not illegal for a job application or hiring manager to inquire about your age. This may ask outright for your birth date or the year you graduated from college, which can provide an estimate of how old you are.

What shops pay 16 year olds the most? ›

Top paying retailers for 16 year olds
  • Marks & Spencer - 16 year olds pay £10.90-12.00 per hour. ...
  • TK Maxx - 16 year olds pay £10.47-11.60 per hour. ...
  • JD Sports - 16 year olds pay £10.15-11.54 per hour. ...
  • Boots - 16 year olds pay £10.00-12.00 per hour. ...
  • Aldi - 16 year olds pay £9.49-11.90 per hour.
Jan 16, 2020

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