Questions on employing young people
I’m thinking of taking someone on, what are my options?
The choices for recruiting are one of the following
- Advanced Apprenticeships Aged 16-24.
- Apprenticeship Aged 16-24.
- Employed full time without Accredited Training
Click here to see information on Apprenticeships
This must pay at least the National Minimum Wage and should provide local training to ensure that the young person will be capable of doing the job. It may include certificates- e.g. Basic Hygiene or Health & Safety.
- Programme Led Pathways Click here for the details
- Entry to Employment Click here for the details
- Jobs with an incentive for employers Available in some areas Click here for the details
If there is training involved, how long will it take and where does it take place?
The length of any training will depend on the capabilities of the young person and the length of the course. It may be a short course of a week or two, day release over several years, or block release of one or more weeks at any one time. The training can be in the workplace, at a local college or with a Government funded Training Provider. Some local providers may offer training and support programmes, whereby the young person remains in your workplace and is mentored by another employee, and visited by the training provider on a regular basis to check progress. Day or block release can be arranged with a local college or training provider. Block release may also be on a residential basis with specialist providers.
What if I don’t want to offer training?
You are not obliged to offer training, but it has been proven that there are benefits for employers who have well- trained staff. Changes to laws in the future around the school leaving age will mean that young people under 18 must have accredited training if they are employed. Currently, some young people aged 16-24 are entitled to “Time Off for Study or Training”
Click here for information on Time Off for Study or Training
Click here for information on the School Leaving Age
How much do I have to pay a young person?
Click here to see information on the National Minimum Wage
Can I have someone on a free work trial?
For 16-18 year olds, work trials of any length (1 hour, 1 day, 1 week etc.) must pay the National Minimum Wage
It is only possible for someone to continue receiving benefits whilst working when agreed under the “Work Trial” arrangement with Job Centre Plus, but this only applies to those over 18. However, one of our Employer Incentives may be appropriate, if you are eligible.
If I decide I want to start someone, what must I do next?
- It is good practice to write a letter of appointment, clearly stating the terms and conditions you are offering, giving the start date and time and welcoming them to your organisation.
- You must ensure that you have appropriate Employer Liability insurance in case of accident or injury- this is a legal requirement
- If this is the first time you have employed someone, you should speak to your accountant about wages, taxes and National Insurance contributions
- You should plan a workplace induction to give the new employee time to get to know where they working, their colleagues, and formal requirements- breaks, start & finish times etc.
- You have a statutory obligation to give every employee a written statement of employment within 2 months of their commencing work.
For details of what this should include, visit the Department for Business Enterprise & Regulatory Reform (previously the DTI) website at http://www.berr.gov.uk/employment/employment-legislation/employment-guidance/pay-contracts/page22525.html
- Trial or probationary periods are not mandatory, but if you do decide to have one, they can be as long or as short as you feel necessary. Most employers choose between one and six months, and the period can be extended by mutual agreement.
- Notice of termination of employment from both employer and employee should be part of the statement of employment
What if things are not working out with a young person I have employed through Connexions Vacancy Services team?
Please contact us and we will try and resolve the issue for you. One of our experienced advisors can arrange to visit you and/or the young person, if required.
