Young Workers Policy – PST-Managers

Version 4 – December 2025

Policy Aims

The purpose of this policy is to protect the health and safety of young workers and comply with relevant legislation.

What's Covered

Young Worker definition
Risk Assessment
Hours of Work
Break entitlements
Permitted Duties
Examples

Roles and Responsibilities

Colleagues

Colleagues must follow the instructions of their Line Manager and comply with the completed risk assessment.

Line Manager

Line Managers must complete a risk assessment and ensure that hours, days of work and duties comply with this policy.

ER Support / HRBP (Ops)

Available to give advice to colleagues and Line Managers.

HRBP (PST)

Available to give advice to colleagues and Line Managers.

Definitions

Young Worker

A colleague aged between 16 and 18. The individual must be of school-leaving age, which is the last Friday in June of the school year they turn 16.

Risk Assessment

A document completed with the young worker to identify, prevent and minimise risks.

Young Worker Guidelines

Risk Assessment

The Line Manager will complete a Young Workers Risk Assessment with the colleague. This will outline any hazards and the steps taken to minimise risks. The completed document will be uploaded to Fourth.

Young workers must follow Line Manager instructions to ensure their safety and compliance.

Hours of Work

Maximum 8 hours per day
Maximum 40 hours per week
Not permitted to work between midnight and 4am

Breaks

Shifts over 4.5 hours: entitled to a 30-minute unpaid break
The timing is agreed with the Line Manager
Breaks must be clocked in/out
Entitled to 2 days off per week (not required to be consecutive)
Must have 12 hours rest between shifts

Duties

Young workers (under 18) are not permitted to work on the bar selling alcohol. Permitted duties include:

Working on the floor
Kitchen work
Cleaning
Housekeeping

Examples

Example 1

A young worker who has finished GCSEs starts as a glass collector. A risk assessment is completed, and they are scheduled Friday and Saturday from 6pm–10pm. The Line Manager ensures compliance with young worker regulations and checks in regularly.

Example 2

A 17-year-old applies for a bar tender role but cannot be recruited due to alcohol regulations. They are offered a housekeeping role instead, working 5 days per week for 6-hour shifts. A risk assessment is completed, breaks are provided, and duties are clear. They may be considered for a bar role upon turning 18 if a vacancy exists.

The Law

Supporting Policies

Disciplinary Policy
Grievance Policy
Whistleblowing Policy
Bullying and Harassment Policy

Legislation

Employment Rights Act 1996
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Licensing Act 2003
Working Time Regulations 1998
Working Time (Amendment) Regulations 2002

External Support