What kinds of work can be done by children of 13?

Although the age at which children may generally be employed is set at 14 years, both in European and domestic legislation, the restricted employment of 13 year olds can be permitted on a local basis. This, however, is expected to an exception rather than a general rule. Some local authorities have made by-laws authorising:

• the employment of children aged 13 on an occasional basis by their parents in light agricultural or horticultural work
• the employment of children aged 13 in categories of light work as specified in that particular by-law.

These local regulations will inevitably be varied depending on local conditions and employment needs and practices. Local authorities will set regulations governing the hours, days, or times of day a child may work, and they may also set intervals for rest and meal breaks, holidays and any other conditions of their employment.