Weekend jobs for 16 year olds in London
Saturday and Sunday work you can get at 16 in London, what you should be paid, the hours you're allowed and how to keep travel costs down.
The short answer
The best weekend jobs for 16 year olds in London are in supermarkets, cafés, fast food, cinemas, leisure centres and big shopping centres. You must be paid at least £8.00 an hour, and with a 16+ Zip Oyster your bus travel to work is free.
Where to look in London
- Shopping centres such as Westfield London, Westfield Stratford City, Brent Cross and local high streets: shops, food courts and cinemas recruit before busy seasons.
- Supermarket branches near you. Larger stores often have weekend-only shifts.
- Cafés, restaurants and fast food, especially in busy areas at weekends.
- Leisure centres, football clubs and venues: matchday, events and front-of-house roles.
Always check the employer's careers page for its current minimum age, as policies change. You can also browse live roles near you.
Pay: minimum wage vs London Living Wage
The law sets one minimum for 16–17 year olds across the UK: £8.00 an hour from April 2026. The London Living Wage is a voluntary rate set by the Living Wage Foundation that accredited employers pay to all staff, including under-18s. It is much higher, so it is a good question to ask at interview.
See exactly what your hours add up to on our minimum wage by age page.
How to get hired in 4 steps
- Write down exactly which weekend hours you can do.
- Make a one-page CV with our first CV template.
- Apply online and drop in to local shops on a quiet weekday afternoon.
- Follow up after a few days and be ready for a short chat about reliability.
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FAQs
- Can a 16 year old get a weekend job in London?
- Yes. Once you are over compulsory school age you can work weekends. Supermarkets, cafés, fast food, cinemas, leisure centres and high-street shops in London regularly hire 16 and 17 year olds with no experience.
- How much should a 16 year old be paid in London?
- The legal minimum for 16 and 17 year olds is £8.00 an hour from April 2026, the same as anywhere in the UK. The London Living Wage is a voluntary higher rate that some accredited employers choose to pay, so it is worth asking.
- How many hours can I work at the weekend at 16?
- If you are 16 and have not yet reached the end of compulsory school age, children's employment rules apply: in term time up to 12 hours a week, with up to 8 hours on a Saturday and 2 hours on a Sunday. Once you are over school leaving age the adult limits for young workers apply instead. Your council can tell you which applies.
- Does travel cost a lot for a weekend job in London?
- Londoners aged 16–17 in full-time education can apply for a 16+ Zip Oyster photocard, which gives free bus and tram travel and discounted Tube fares. Check the TfL site for current eligibility.
Sources: GOV.UK minimum wage rates, GOV.UK child employment, TfL 16+ Zip Oyster, Living Wage Foundation. Last reviewed 20 October 2026 by the Shine careers team.
More help: teen jobs, minimum wage by age, first CV template.