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Young people have historically made an important contribution to the hospitality sector. With Gen Z said to make up 20 percent of the UK workforce, engaging more young people is an obvious means of gaining an additional flexible staffing option. In spite of concerns that young people seem less enthusiastic about pursuing a career in hospitality, the sector not surprisingly continues to recruit from this age group, thereby investing in its future talent pipeline.
Different rules apply when employing young people under 18; for them, additional limits and considerations must be borne in mind. But if a worker is over 18, most of those rules no longer apply.
Age limits
To work full time, young people must be over compulsory school age. That can be either 16 or 18 years old in the UK (young people are expected to be in some form of part-time education or training until the age of 18).
Working hours
Children (below compulsory school age) may not work during school hours on school days. Also, they may not to work before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on any day. Work on a school day may not be for more than an hour before school. There are limitations on the number of hours children can work on school days and on weekends (between two and eight hours depending on age and whether it is term time) as well.
- Employing young people can provide flexibility and additional resources, but effort is required to attract this age group.
- Young people over 18 may work full time without restriction and have the same rights as other employees.
- Young people under 18 require added consideration when being hired. This includes limits on the hours they can work and additional rest breaks.