What Are The Rules On Working Hours For People Aged Under 18?
The Working Time Regulations state that people aged 16 and 17 may not usually work more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours per week. They should also not work at night (between 11pm to 7am or between 10pm and 6am). Adult workers are also protected by a maximum working hours rule but they can choose to opt out. Younger workers are not allowed to opt out of the rules. There are a number of grounds upon which the employer can argue that longer hours are necessary and, if they do, the employee can choose to work longer hours. For example, if it can be shown there is no adult available to do the work or there is a need for continuity of a service. This might, for example, cover a care work role. Young people working at sea or in the armed services are governed by different rules. The rules are designed to protect health and safety and should only be breached if there is a clear and agreed business need that fits with the exemptions described in the rules.
