Jobs for 16 Year Olds – UK Part-Time Work, Pay and Top Employers

For many 16-year-olds in the UK, finding a first job is a major step toward independence. The options range from weekend shifts in a local café to summer roles at supermarkets, but the rules around hours, pay, and permits can be confusing. This guide breaks down the most common jobs, the legal requirements, and how to start applying in 2025.

Retail, hospitality, and service roles are the most accessible for teenagers. Many high-street employers actively recruit for part-time and weekend positions, and most do not require previous experience. The key is understanding what is legally allowed and where to look.

What Jobs Can a 16 Year Old Get? (Top Employers & Roles)

• Most 16 year olds can start working in retail, hospitality, or service roles without prior experience.
• Many high-street chains actively recruit 16 year olds for part-time and weekend shifts.
• A work permit (employment permit) is required by some local councils for under-18s – check before applying.
• Online jobs (freelance, content creation, tutoring) are growing options for digitally-skilled teens.

Entry-level jobs are commonly advertised for 16-year-olds with no experience, especially in retail and food service, according to One Education and Indeed. Supermarket work, café roles, and shop assistant positions are the most frequently listed. For those looking for something different, babysitting, dog walking, tutoring, and gardening are also common options.

Regarding specific employers, supermarket and shop work is explicitly listed as suitable for 16-year-olds, meaning chains like Tesco fit the general category. Similarly, Greggs falls into the retail and food-service category that sources say is suitable. Café and barista work is specifically named as suitable, so Costa is a realistic option. In London, the same types of jobs are available, including retail, cafés, supermarkets, and hospitality.

Online and Summer Jobs

One guide from Origym mentions paid surveys, writing, blogging, graphic design, and selling custom merchandise as possible online options for teens. Seasonal roles are also highlighted as a strong option, including summer work and holiday roles, as noted by Young Capital.

What Is the Minimum Wage & How Many Hours Can a 16 Year Old Work?

The National Minimum Wage for a 16-17 year old is £5.28 per hour for the 2024/25 tax year, according to GOV.UK. No employer can pay less than this rate. It is important to note that some older guides may list different figures, so always check the current official rate.

During term time in England, a 16-year-old can work up to 12 hours a week. This is broken down into a maximum of 2 hours on school days and Sundays, and up to 8 hours on Saturdays. During school holidays, the limit rises to 35 hours a week, though daily limits still apply. Young workers should also have at least a 1-hour break after every 4 hours worked and a two-week break from school and work once a year, according to StudentJob.

A 16-year-old can earn up to £12,570 in a tax year without paying income tax. This is the standard Personal Allowance that applies to all earners. If you earn above this threshold, you would pay tax on the excess, though this is rare for part-time roles.

Do You Need a Work Permit or Paperwork for a 16 Year Old?

The rules around work permits vary significantly by local council. Some councils require a permit for all under-18s, while others do not. The GOV.UK guidance on child employment advises checking with your local council’s education welfare office before starting a job. The NSPCC and Childline also note that if you are under 16, you must get a work permit from your local council, and at 16, some councils still require one.

The paperwork needed to start a job typically includes proof of age (passport or birth certificate), proof of address, bank account details, and possibly a work permit. It is advisable to have these documents ready before applying.

How to Find Jobs for 16 Year Olds Near Me (UK Guide)

Finding a job as a 16-year-old often starts with knowing where to look. Job sites like StudentJob and E4S specialise in roles for young people. Approaching local shops, cafés, and supermarkets directly with a simple CV can also be effective.

A practical first-job checklist for 2025 includes: checking whether the job is legal for your age and school status, confirming the weekly and daily hour limits before applying, looking for roles that say “no experience required,” preparing a simple CV even if you have no work history, being ready to explain your availability around school hours and weekends, avoiding jobs in restricted settings such as factories, betting shops, or pubs, asking about pay, breaks, training, and whether the role is term-time or holiday-only, and for online jobs, checking that the task is legitimate and age-appropriate before sharing personal details.

When to Apply: Seasonal Job Timeline for 16 Year Olds

1. January–March: Apply for summer jobs (camps, theme parks, seasonal retail)
2. April–June: Submit applications for summer internships/work experience
3. July–August: Summer job peak – part time, hospitality, events
4. September–October: Apply for Christmas season retail jobs (McDonald’s, Tesco, Primark)
5. November–December: Festive job hiring peak – weekend and evening shifts

Clarifying Common Questions for 16 Year Old Job Seekers

Background: Why These Rules Exist

The minimum wage for 16 year olds has increased steadily, reflecting inflation and cost of living. Retail and hospitality sectors remain the largest employers of under-18s in the UK. The rise of the gig economy and online platforms is creating new opportunities for teens, including tutoring, social media management, and micro-tasks. Local councils vary widely in enforcement of work permit rules, which can lead to confusion for first-time job seekers.

What the Official Sources Say

“The National Minimum Wage for a 16-17 year old is £5.28 per hour.”

– Gov.uk – National Minimum Wage rates

“Young workers aged 16-17 may not work more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week. Term time limits apply.”

– ACAS – Working hours for young workers

“If you are under 16, you must get a work permit from your local council. At 16, some councils still require one.”

– NSPCC / Childline – Work permits

Summary: Your Next Steps

Finding a job at 16 is achievable with the right preparation. Check your local council’s website for work permit requirements, prepare a simple CV (even without experience, include school, hobbies, and volunteering), visit job sites like Indeed and StudentJob but also approach local shops directly, and set up a bank account for wages. For more on working patterns, see our guide on the 4 Day Work Week. If you need to prove your right to work, our Share Code Right to Work: How to Get & Check Guide explains the process.

Frequently Asked Questions