Birmingham City Council supports National Child Employment Week to promote safe working and performance opportunities for children
Birmingham City Council is supporting National Child Employment Week to raise awareness of the laws, licensing and safeguarding duties that protect children who work or perform.
The campaign aims not to restrict children from employment or performance opportunities, but to ensure that when they do engage in such activities, they are properly safeguarded and supported.
Local Authorities, including Birmingham City Council, hold a statutory duty to protect children and young people in employment and entertainment. To fulfil this responsibility, the Council has a dedicated Child Employment and Licensing Team, including specialist coordinators and a Business Support Officer, who oversee and enforce compliance with national legislation, statutory regulations and local byelaws.
This regulatory framework sets out the requirements employers must meet, the powers held by the Local Authority, and the penalties that apply when safeguards are not followed. It also enables the Council to carry out workplace and performance inspections to ensure that every child’s wellbeing, safety, and education remain the highest priority.
Razia Butt, Director of Thriving Children and Families at Birmingham City Council, said: “Children’s safety, wellbeing and education are at the heart of everything we do. National Child Employment Week is an important reminder that while children can gain valuable experience and opportunities through work or performance, it must always be done safely and within the law.
“Our Child Employment and Licensing Team work tirelessly to ensure that every child is protected, every employer understands their responsibilities, and all performances and work placements meet the highest safeguarding standards. We are committed to supporting families, employers and organisations to get this right.”
Key Information
Child Employment Permits
- Age: Children and young people aged 13 and above may work part-time.
- Permitted Hours: Children can work after school, at weekends, or during school holidays, in line with legal restrictions.
- Restrictions: Limits apply to the number of hours and the types of work children can undertake.
- Work Permit Application: It is the employer’s legal responsibility to apply for a work permit. Parents must check and sign the application and will receive a copy once issued.
- Legal Requirement: Employing a child without a valid work permit is against the law.
Child Performance Licences
- Age: All children - from babies to those still of compulsory school age must be licensed when participating in professional or amateur performances or certain paid sports activities.
- Permitted Hours: The number of hours and required breaks vary depending on the child's age. Detailed guidance is available on the Council website.
- Performance Licence Application: The person responsible for the production or activity must apply for the licence.
- Legal Requirement: A licence is mandatory. Failure to obtain one is an offence.
Reporting Concerns
Anyone who has concerns about a child working or performing, whether relating to health, safety, education, or wellbeing should report this to the Council. Concerns about a chaperone licensed by Birmingham City Council can also be raised here.
For advice, guidance or to discuss child employment, performance licensing or chaperone requirements, contact the Child Employment Team.
Email: childemployment@birmingham.gov.uk
Phone: 0121 303 8900
Website: www.birmingham.gov.uk/children_in_entertainment_and_employment
