Forum Topic

Jobs for 13 year olds?

I have a just about 13 year old who is very keen to get some sort of job when she turns 13.Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions?Many thanks

Samantha Tubbritt ● 5114d9 Comments

"Well, quite. When did we all become so namby pamby that a kid can't earn a bit of pocket money in his/her spare time?" Exactly

Nick Jenkins ● 5110d

I did a Paper round but also worked in a sweet factory odd times in Southwark. great fun hard work. the people in the jobs supervising underage workers have to have had police checks so a lot of bother for any employer.

Peter Chadburn ● 5112d

Obviously in the time between F Stone being 13 and now?

Amy Brookes ● 5113d

Well, quite. When did we all become so namby pamby that a kid can't earn a bit of pocket money in his/her spare time?

Susan Kelly ● 5113d

I remember getting a Saturday / Sunday job when I was 13 - I worked in the local paper shop. There was a form to fill in that the school had to sign but that was about it. I'm not sure if there are many places nowadays which will let 13 year olds work part time as regulations have been brought in.I loved it - working in a sweetie shop, meeting people and having the odd freebie sweet, plus being paid was really helpful as it paid towards my music lessons at that time.

F Stone ● 5113d

Thanks for your comments. We have had a look on the councils website and it says that children aged 13 can work but there are, obviously, regulations regarding the amount of hours that can be worked etc.Just wondering how to find a job for a 13 year old when jobs are so hard to come by generally?Volunteering sounds interesting too - where could a 13 year old find volunteering opportunities?

Samantha Tubbritt ● 5114d

I worked in shops and a hotel kitchen from age of 12. I was prepared for work by the time I left school. There are probably loads of restrictions now that were not in place in the 70's.

Keith Iddon ● 5114d

When I was 13 it was perfectly normal for kids my age to work because our parents couldn't afford pocket money. I mostly did babysitting.

Susan Kelly ● 5114d

There are real concerns and some legislation about children working.  At Volunteer Centre Ealing our advice to under 18 year olds wishing to volunteer is that a parent should attend with them and ensure there are adequate safeguarding polices and that these are understood and followed Uniform groups youth clubs and some faith organisations may provide suitable environments for volunteering.  I question closely why a 13 year old wishes to work, when volunteering  provides greater opportunities.  More details at www.do-it.org.uk

Lizzie Saunders, Volunteer Centre Manager ● 5114d