When a new employee joins your payroll, it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure they are aware of their rights and that the correct tax is deducted from their salary. This responsibility also applies when employing young people in your business.

You can employ young people from the age of 13, but special rules govern how long they can work and the types of work they can perform. Once someone turns 18, they are classed as an adult worker, and different employment rules then apply. Young workers and apprentices also have different National Minimum Wage rates compared to adult employees.

Before taking on young workers, employers must carry out a risk assessment to ensure a safe working environment. Young people may also be entitled to certain employment rights, including statutory maternity pay and ordinary statutory paternity pay if they qualify through continuous employment, paid time off for study or training and redundancy pay.

It is important to note that different rules apply if you engage volunteers or voluntary staff. Regardless, employers are responsible for health and safety, providing proper inductions, and ensuring employees are adequately trained for the tasks they are going to do.