Stricter rules governing when and where children can work have come into force in the Isle of Man.
The Employment of Children (No.2) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, approved by Tynwald in December, set out updated limits for all children in part‑time work, whether they attend school or are home educated. No child under 13 may be employed.
New guidance for employers, parents and carers outlines permitted hours, rest breaks and the requirement for risk assessments.
Employment Rules
During term time, children may work up to two hours on weekday evenings and four hours on Fridays.
At weekends and during school holidays, they may work up to seven hours a day, with a maximum of 28 hours per week across all jobs. Work cannot begin before 7am, and children must receive a 15‑minute break after two hours or a 30‑minute break after four.
The rules also ban children from selling tobacco, vapes or alcohol, working in high‑risk kitchens, handling harmful salon chemicals or carrying out door‑to‑door sales.
Education Minister Daphne Caine MHK said part‑time work can build “confidence, communication skills and financial awareness”, but stressed that education must remain the priority.
She said the updated regulations aim to protect young people while still allowing them to gain safe work experience.
Employers must complete risk assessments and keep records for every child they employ. Breaches are a criminal offence for both employers and parents or carers.
