Q: Can we offer a 17 year-old some work experience?
A: Students often approach companies to see if they can offer them some work experience. Sometimes students are prepared to come along for a few days in their holidays from college on a voluntary basis. This seems like a great idea ~ but where do you stand legally if you agree to their suggestion?
If they are going to do some work for you, even if it is limited amount, they are entitled to be paid the National Minimum Wage (NMW) as they are above the school leaving age of 16. From 1st October 2009 workers aged 16 to 17 have to be paid £3.57 per hour.
Calling someone a volunteer does not protect you from having to pay the NMW, as it is whether they actually do work for you which counts. If they were just going to come for a few hours or the day to get a feel for “office life”, that might not be caught by the NMW, but the danger is that the more frequently they come and the more they do, the more likely they will be considered to be working for you and so in these circumstances we recommend paying the NMW.
Whether someone works for you or is a volunteer, you can still be liable for their health and safety.
Cognisis provide occupational psychology services and outsourced HR solutions which deliver bottom line business performance.
Avoid getting bogged down with employment issues. Cognisis will save you time and money and leave you to get on with running your business.
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