Child employment

Child work permit

We need to know about all children who are of school age and are employed.

The work must be suitable and must not affect the child's health or education.

Employment is any type of paid or voluntary work carried out for any person, organisation or business that can be deemed to be the employer of the child.

Read more about child employment rules on the GOV.UK website.

Apply for a permit

Employers who employ children aged 13 to 16 need to apply for an employment permit from the council where the business is based.

An employer's Child Employment Permit application form must be completed before the child starts work.

A risk assessment must also be completed as part of the application. 

You will also need to attach:

  • a photo, headshot only
  • a copy of their birth certificate
  • a copy of their passport if the child has one

Applications need to be sent within 1 week of employment starting.

Download the Child Employment Permit application form

Please complete this then upload with supporting documents.

Upload your completed permit and supporting documents

Report any concerns

If you have a concern about a child taking part in a performance or employment, please contact us at childemployment@havering.gov.uk or phone 01708 434600.

Please tell us:

  • the name of production or employer
  • the date of production
  • the address of production or employer  
  • the details of concern 
  • your optional contact details and if you wish them to remain confidential 

We will pass on the information to the appropriate borough if the production or employer is not within our area or investigate and take appropriate action. 

If you think the child is in immediate danger please contact the police on 999.