Hello, fellow entrepreneurs and parental units!
Are you tired of your kids lounging around the house, glued to their screens, while you slave away at your business? Well, have we got news for you! You can actually put those little bundles of joy to work – legally! But before you start drafting up contracts on the back of a cereal box, let’s dive into the do’s and don’ts of employing your offspring.
Age Matters (No, Really)
First things first, let’s talk age. If your child is under 13, I’m afraid they’ll have to stick to their day job of being adorable (unless they’re the next Shirley Temple – in which case, stage parents, rejoice!). For the 13-16 crowd, part-time work is on the menu. Full-time employment? That’s for the big kids who’ve hit 16 (or 17 in Scotland, because they like to be different).
Clock-Watching for Beginners
Now, don’t go thinking you can work them to the bone. During school term, it’s a maximum of 12 hours per week. Holidays are a bit more lenient:
13-14 year olds: 25 hours per week (That’s about 89,732 TikToks, for reference)
15-16 year olds: 35 hours per week (Approximately 3.5 Marvel movies)
And forget about those late-night shifts – work time is strictly 7am to 7pm. No working during school hours either, unless you fancy a chat with the truancy officer.
Breaks: Not Just for KitKats
Remember, these are kids, not machines. They need a 30-minute break every 4.5 hours, 14 hours of daily rest, and a whopping 2 days off per week. I know, I know, you’re thinking, “But that’s more rest than I get!” Welcome to parenthood, folks.
Safety First (Because Lawsuits Are No Fun)
Before you hand little Timmy that chainsaw, remember: you need to do a risk assessment. Some jobs are off-limits for kids. So maybe rethink that “Junior Crocodile Wrestler” position you had in mind.
Show Me the Money (But Not Too Much)
Here’s where it gets tricky. You need to pay them a fair wage for actual work done. No, making tea and liking your Instagram posts doesn’t count. Keep detailed records – HMRC loves a good paper trail.
The Taxman Cometh
Good news! You don’t pay employer National Insurance for under-21s, and the kids don’t pay it if they’re under 16. Plus, they have their own tax-free allowance (£12,570 for 2024/25). But remember, if you’re paying them more than a paper round wage, you might need to set up PAYE.
Dotting I’s and Crossing T’s
Have a proper contract, keep timesheets, and for heaven’s sake, pay them into a bank account, not with sweets or Pokémon cards. And while it’s tempting to shower them with perks, remember: HMRC might raise an eyebrow if your 14-year-old ‘intern’ is driving a company Porsche.
The Golden Rule
Here’s the kicker: the work must be real, necessary, and age-appropriate. So no, your 5-year-old can’t be your CEO, no matter how bossy they are at home.
In Conclusion
Hiring your kids can be a win-win. They learn valuable skills, you get help, and family time gets a whole new meaning. Just remember to keep it legal, keep it safe, and for the love of all that is holy, keep detailed records.
And if all this sounds more complicated than assembling flat-pack furniture while blindfolded, don’t worry. That’s what accountants are for. They love this stuff. Seriously, it’s like catnip to them.
Happy hiring, and may the force (and HMRC) be with you!
