Employing under 16s?

[Abbie]

Does anyone know the rules or anything please?

Is it allowed? Are there loads of implications/hassle?

I had a 15 year old in here doing some work experience a few weeks ago and she was fantastic so I've been thinking about offering her a few hours work on a Saturday/during the holidays but she won't be 16 until next July

I was thinking 10-2 Mon-Fri during the holidays and maybe 12 - 4 on Saturdays

Just to give me an extra pair of hands during my peak time, I also do kids parties in here on Saturday afternoons an I could do with another pair of hands for those

Is there a minimum wage/NI/tax, etc?

Any pointers would be great

Thanks!

[myzzterri]

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/YoungPeople/Workandcareers/Yourrightsandresponsibilitiesatwork/DG_066272

hope it helps a little!

[myzzterri]

from what I can gather, under 16's don't pay NI not sure about tax - still looking!

[myzzterri]

yes to tax dependent on earnings - I'd guess she'd pay it but claim a rebate...

http://www.taxfix.co.uk/forum/articles/do-under-18s-pay-tax-2.html

[Abbie]

Fab!!! Thank you!

I guess she's be earning under the tax bracket so wouldn't have to pay it anyway

I'm just looking into the liability insurance implications, I suspect that may be the spanner in the works

[Faith]

I don't see why it would be too much of a hassle, unless the rules have drastically changed every pub I used to know used local 14-16 year olds to waitress/wash up/sous chef etc.

I think there's a limit on hours. Pay I would think you just run it through PAYE- simple if you're using HMRC software- are you Ltd? There should be no tax or NI to pay so should save you money.

[Abbie]

Thanks!

Unfortunately my insurance company have put the kibosh on it

They won't insure under 16 year old employees

It's a shame as she was lovely and worked really hard, knew what she was doing and was great with the customers

[Faith]

How was she insured for work experience then?

[Abbie]

When i checked, her school said she was insured through them, although she was supervised at all times and didn't do anything that would pose a risk to food/hygiene

If I employed her, I'd expect her to do stuff off her own bat and while personal, employers and public liability insurance was covered, my insurance company wouldn't cover her for product liability.

[Faith]

Can you increase your insurance? Might be worth doing if you can save on tax/NI/wages compared to employing someone older...