Your County - Putting Kent First

Kent 4 star Council

Applying for a child employment permit

Who needs to apply for the permit?

The person who will be employing the child will need to apply.

How do I apply?

You can download an Employer's application form from this website, or request one from your Local Education Office.

You also apply online by using the link below and selecting Child Work Permit to begin your application.

Apply online

When do I need to apply?

An Employer's Registration Form must be sent to the Local Authority (LA) in the first week that the child works. Every employer must carry out a risk assessment before the child starts working, and employers must inform parents/guardians of this fact.

Why do I need an employment permit?

Any employer who employs a compulsory school age child without an employment permit is in contravention of the child employment regulations and the LA may take action against them. The Association of British Insurers have also stated that unless a child were to be registered, the child might not be included under an employer's liability insurance policy.

What are the penalties for illegally employing a child without a permit?

The employer, and any other person (other than the person employed) by whose act or default caused the employment to be in contravention of the provisions of the child employment legislation may be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 (£1,000) on the Standard Scale.

Copyright Kent County Council 2009