17 year old employment advice
Discussion
My 17 year old daughter is in full time education and took on a Saturday job in her local leisure centre as a lifeguard.
She has been working a set shift / hours for a year of 8.00 -13.00 which gives her some spending money.
Two weeks ago she was informed that there would be a meeting for all staff and this occured whilst she was at college and therefore unable to attend.
She chased up her line manager and eventually found at that all staff had to re-apply for their hours, but permanent and senior staff would be prioritised for hours. She received nothing in writing to confirm this.
She submitted her preference of what she could work, giving Saturday/ Sunday hours.
They have come back and told her that she will be working Saturday 11.30 - 14.00 and every three weeks a 16.00 till 22.45 shift. This was not negotiated.
I am currently refraining from getting involved, as I think they are taking advantage of her, but want to advise as it's her contract
Legally, I thought there was a restriction on what time she could work as a young employer and I don't feel as if any proper process was followed in her management of change.
She is seeking alternative employment, but sticking it out until she has something.
How can I advise her?
She has been working a set shift / hours for a year of 8.00 -13.00 which gives her some spending money.
Two weeks ago she was informed that there would be a meeting for all staff and this occured whilst she was at college and therefore unable to attend.
She chased up her line manager and eventually found at that all staff had to re-apply for their hours, but permanent and senior staff would be prioritised for hours. She received nothing in writing to confirm this.
She submitted her preference of what she could work, giving Saturday/ Sunday hours.
They have come back and told her that she will be working Saturday 11.30 - 14.00 and every three weeks a 16.00 till 22.45 shift. This was not negotiated.
I am currently refraining from getting involved, as I think they are taking advantage of her, but want to advise as it's her contract
Legally, I thought there was a restriction on what time she could work as a young employer and I don't feel as if any proper process was followed in her management of change.
She is seeking alternative employment, but sticking it out until she has something.
How can I advise her?
Check her contract:
See if her hours were fixed. If they were, the employer can’t change them without her agreement. Ask for a written copy of her contract and confirmation of the new hours.
Working hours law for 17-year-olds:
Cannot usually work between 10pm and 6am — so the 16:00–22:45 shift is likely not legal.
Process concerns:
They should have given written notice and consulted her properly. What they’ve done seems unprofessional.
What she should do:
Politely email her manager asking for her contract, written confirmation of the new hours, and clarification about late-night work rules.
Keep everything in writing.
Contact ACAS or Citizens Advice if she isn’t treated fairly.
Support her in handling it herself, help her draft messages if needed, and encourage her to find another job before leaving.
See if her hours were fixed. If they were, the employer can’t change them without her agreement. Ask for a written copy of her contract and confirmation of the new hours.
Working hours law for 17-year-olds:
Cannot usually work between 10pm and 6am — so the 16:00–22:45 shift is likely not legal.
Process concerns:
They should have given written notice and consulted her properly. What they’ve done seems unprofessional.
What she should do:
Politely email her manager asking for her contract, written confirmation of the new hours, and clarification about late-night work rules.
Keep everything in writing.
Contact ACAS or Citizens Advice if she isn’t treated fairly.
Support her in handling it herself, help her draft messages if needed, and encourage her to find another job before leaving.
As was mentioned above 17 year olds are not supposed to be working between 10pm-6am. Though there might be a few technicalities and I think that it depends on the job and if there are other adults in the vicinity.
HR will probably be very thorough in doing what is required by law to change contracts but they might overlook the legality of those 45 minutes after 10pm. If I were you I would avoid mentioning the working hours legality issue until the very end of the process where they formally issue your daughter with her new contract. At which point you draft her a well written email asking if the working hours are legal.
To begin with check her current contract to determine if she has set hours and go from there.
HR will probably be very thorough in doing what is required by law to change contracts but they might overlook the legality of those 45 minutes after 10pm. If I were you I would avoid mentioning the working hours legality issue until the very end of the process where they formally issue your daughter with her new contract. At which point you draft her a well written email asking if the working hours are legal.
To begin with check her current contract to determine if she has set hours and go from there.
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