Lots of small jobs never get done because they are too small for a professional to quote for and too fiddly to do yourself. A local teenager is often the right person for them, as long as you know what they can do, what the rules are and how to keep everyone safe.
Jobs that suit a teenager
- Washing cars on your drive
- Raking leaves, weeding, sweeping and general garden tidying
- Mowing a small lawn, for older teens with a push or electric mower you are happy with
- Walking the dog or feeding pets while you are away
- Setting up phones, tablets, Wi-Fi and smart TVs
- Carrying boxes, clearing a garage or loft, and help on moving day
- Gift wrapping and decorating at Christmas
- Tutoring younger children
What teenagers should not do
Keep jobs at ground level and away from anything risky. That means no ladders, roofs or gutters, no power tools such as hedge trimmers, strimmers or chainsaws for younger teens, no harsh chemicals, and nothing involving heavy lifting beyond what a teenager can carry comfortably. If the job would make you nervous watching your own child do it, it is not the right job.
The rules on hours
Teenagers who are still at school cannot work during school hours, before 7am or after 7pm. In term time they can work up to 2 hours on a school day or a Sunday and up to 12 hours a week, with longer limits at weekends and in the holidays. The full breakdown is in the UK rules on working under 18.
Do you need a permit?
Child employment permits are aimed at businesses employing school-age children, and most councils require them in that case. A one-off job at your home, such as a car wash or an afternoon in the garden, is treated differently in practice, but if you plan to take someone on regularly, or you are hiring through a business, check with your council's education welfare or child employment team. Child work permits explained has more detail.
How much to pay
Children below school leaving age are not entitled to the minimum wage, but a fair price keeps good teenagers coming back. Pay by the job rather than the hour for small tasks, and agree it in advance. Anyone employing a 16 or 17 year old who has left school must pay at least £8.00 an hour. See the 2026 price guide for typical rates.
Keeping it safe
- Be home, or have another adult home, while the job is done.
- Describe the job clearly in advance, including how long it should take and what you will provide.
- Do not add extra tasks on the day without asking first.
- Make sure the teenager's parent or carer knows where they are.
- Avoid paying in cash where you can, so there is a record for everyone.
How KidsHustle handles it
KidsHustle is a UK marketplace where any adult can post a paid job for local 13 to 17 year olds. You verify your identity once before posting, every listing is checked automatically before it goes live, and parents approve their teen's applications, so everyone who applies already has permission. Jobs must sit between 7am and 7pm, messaging happens in the app where parents can see it, and payment is held securely and released once the job is done, with a service fee added on top. Read what to include when posting a job for tips on writing a good listing.
Post your first job
If you have a small job that has been waiting for months, post it on KidsHustle and see who nearby wants to do it.