How many hours can a 16 year old work?

A 16 or 17 year old who has left school can work up to 40 hours a week and 8 hours a day, with a 30-minute break after 4.5 hours, 12 hours rest between shifts and no work between 10pm and 6am in most jobs. If you're still in full-time education, term-time work is limited to evenings and weekends. Most 16 year olds pay no income tax because the first £12,570 a year is tax-free.

What is the minimum wage for 16 and 17 year olds?

From April 2026, the National Minimum Wage for 16–17 year olds is £8.00 per hour. Apprentices under 19 (or in their first year) earn at least £8.00. Many employers pay above the minimum, supermarkets, hospitality chains and large retailers often pay £8–£11.

How do I get a part-time job with no experience?

Most teen jobs don't expect experience. Focus on: a one-page CV that lists school, hobbies and any volunteering; a short cover line saying when you can work; applying in person to local shops and cafés; and asking family/neighbours if anyone needs help. Shine has a free CV builder and template designed for first jobs.

What are the best weekend jobs for students?

Top-rated by 16–17 year olds: supermarket assistant (steady hours, predictable), barista (great people skills for CV), cinema usher (free films), tutoring younger pupils (£10–£20/hour), and dog walking (flexible, outdoor). Hospitality pays well but shifts can be late.

Do I need a National Insurance number to work?

Yes, your employer needs your NI number to set up payroll. You'll get one automatically just before your 16th birthday. If you've lost yours, request it from HMRC or check old payslips, your P60, or your personal tax account.

Jobs for 16 & 17 year olds

Teen jobs

Part-time, weekend and after-school jobs you can actually get at 16 or 17, no experience needed. Plus a free CV builder and interview tips designed for first-jobbers.

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What jobs can you get at 16 or 17 in the UK?

At 16 or 17 you can work in retail, hospitality, cafés, cinemas, leisure centres, tutoring, warehousing and online or content work, and you can start a paid apprenticeship. Minimum wage for 16–17 year olds is £8.00 an hour. Most roles need no experience. Shine lists live vacancies open to under-18s near you.

Last reviewed 3 September 2026 by the Shine careers team.

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Popular jobs for 16 & 17 year olds

Retail & supermarket

£8.00–£11/hr

Shop floor, stock, checkout. Steady hours, weekend shifts, training included.

Hospitality

£8–£12/hr + tips

Barista, waiter, kitchen porter. Great for confidence and people skills.

Café & fast food

£8.00–£10/hr

Counter, prep, customer service. Often flexible around school hours.

Online & content

Varies, project-based

Social media help for local businesses, tutoring younger pupils, freelance design.

Care, sport & leisure

£8–£11/hr

Leisure centre, lifeguarding (16+ with qualification), coaching, holiday camps.

Apprenticeship (paid)

£15k–£22k+/yr

A proper job + qualification. Apply from 16. See our apprenticeships hub.

Not sure which of these you'd be good at?

Answer 15 quick questions and we'll match you to the jobs and apprenticeships that fit your strengths, then show you live vacancies near you. Free, no CV needed.

Takes under 15 minutes. Open from age 16.

Your rights at work (UK)

• Minimum wage at 16–17: £8.00/hour (from April 2026). All rates by age.
• Max 40 hours/week, 8 hours/day if not in full-time education.
• 30-minute break for any shift over 4.5 hours.
• Two days off a week. Term-time work limited to evenings and weekends.
• You must get a payslip, and your employer must pay tax and NI on your behalf.

FAQs

What jobs can you get at 16?: At 16 you can work in retail (shop assistant, stock), hospitality (waiter, kitchen porter, barista), cinemas, leisure centres, supermarkets, tutoring, dog walking, babysitting, content/social media, and most warehouse roles. You can't serve alcohol unsupervised, work on a building site, or work full-time in licensed gambling venues.
How many hours can a 16 year old work?: A 16 or 17 year old who has left school can work up to 40 hours a week and 8 hours a day, with a 30-minute break after 4.5 hours, 12 hours rest between shifts and no work between 10pm and 6am in most jobs. If you're still in full-time education, term-time work is limited to evenings and weekends. Most 16 year olds pay no income tax because the first £12,570 a year is tax-free. Full guide: tax, National Insurance and hours at 16
What is the minimum wage for 16 and 17 year olds?: From April 2026, the National Minimum Wage for 16–17 year olds is £8.00 per hour. Apprentices under 19 (or in their first year) earn at least £8.00. Many employers pay above the minimum, supermarkets, hospitality chains and large retailers often pay £8–£11.
How do I get a part-time job with no experience?: Most teen jobs don't expect experience. Focus on: a one-page CV that lists school, hobbies and any volunteering; a short cover line saying when you can work; applying in person to local shops and cafés; and asking family/neighbours if anyone needs help. Shine has a free CV builder and template designed for first jobs.
What are the best weekend jobs for students?: Top-rated by 16–17 year olds: supermarket assistant (steady hours, predictable), barista (great people skills for CV), cinema usher (free films), tutoring younger pupils (£10–£20/hour), and dog walking (flexible, outdoor). Hospitality pays well but shifts can be late.
Do I need a National Insurance number to work?: Yes, your employer needs your NI number to set up payroll. You'll get one automatically just before your 16th birthday. If you've lost yours, request it from HMRC or check old payslips, your P60, or your personal tax account.

Part of Shine's apprenticeship guide series, plain-English answers, updated regularly.

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