Employing Young People: Key Considerations for Businesses

For many organisations, employing people under 18 can bring real benefits. Young workers often bring enthusiasm, energy, and fresh ideas into the workplace, and for some industries such as hospitality and retail they can also provide flexible and affordable staffing solutions.

However, employing under 18s also comes with legal responsibilities and additional considerations to make sure they are supported, safe, and treated fairly. At Kirby HR Consultancy, I help businesses navigate these rules while making the most of the advantages that young employees can bring.

Here’s what you should consider before hiring anyone under the age of 18

Step 1: Understand the Legal Requirements

Young people have extra protections under UK employment law to prevent exploitation and safeguard their education. The Children and Young Persons Act 1933, along with ACAS guidance, sets out the main rules:

• Under-18s must have two days off per week.

• They are entitled to a 12-hour daily rest break between shifts.

• If working more than 4.5 hours, they must have a minimum 30-minute rest break.

• Working hours are limited to 8 hours per day or 40 per week.

• Night work is generally restricted, with only limited exceptions.

• 16–17-year-olds are entitled to at least the National Minimum Wage for their age group.

Other areas of compliance include health and safety restrictions (e.g. not using equipment with age limits, such as forklift trucks), ensuring equality, and in some cases obtaining parental or guardian consent.

Employers are responsible for knowing and complying with these rules. Failing to do so could result in fines or even prosecution.

Step 2: Carry Out Age-Appropriate Risk Assessments

Younger employees may lack the experience to recognise hazards at work. As an employer, you must:

• Carry out a specific risk assessment for under-18s before they start work.

• Adapt health and safety policies to account for their age and inexperience.

• Provide additional training if needed, especially on workplace risks that may not be obvious to them.

Never assume that something “common sense” to an adult will be obvious to a 16-year-old just entering the workforce.

Step 3: Provide Training and Support

For many young employees, this will be their first experience of the workplace. They may need guidance on:

• Basic expectations (timekeeping, dress code, use of phones).

• Workplace procedures and safety protocols.

• How to perform specific tasks in their role.

A structured induction and regular refresher training are essential. Taking the time to coach and encourage young workers builds their confidence and helps them become valuable members of your team more quickly.

Step 4: Assign Appropriate Tasks

Beyond the legal restrictions on what under-18s can do, employers should be mindful of matching tasks to the skills, maturity, and confidence of the individual.

• Don’t set them up to fail with tasks beyond their ability.

• Rotate tasks so they can experience different aspects of the job.

• Provide a clear progression path with training opportunities, so they can see how to develop within the role.

  
  

This approach not only supports the young worker but also helps your business identify and grow long-term talent.

Step 5: Ensure Supervision and Ongoing Support

Young employees require closer supervision and more regular feedback than older, more experienced colleagues. Put systems in place to:

• Conduct frequent check-ins and reviews.

• Provide clear communication channels so they can ask questions easily.

• Foster an inclusive culture where young employees feel confident raising concerns or ideas.

Consistent support helps them feel valued and prevents issues with performance or confidence from escalating.

How Kirby HR Consultancy Can Help

Hiring young workers can be rewarding for both the business and the individual, but it requires planning and compliance with employment law. We can support you with:

• Reviewing and updating contracts and policies.

• Advising on legal requirements and working time regulations.

• Helping you design risk assessments, training plans, and induction programmes.

• Providing guidance on supervision, performance monitoring, and development.

  
  

Thinking of Employing Young People?

If you’d like to explore employing under-18s in your business, Kirby HR Consultancy can provide the advice and tools you need to do it safely, legally, and effectively.

📞 07889 053608✉️ [Insert email link]🔗 [Insert contact form link]