Thirteen is the youngest age at which anyone in the UK can be paid for regular work, and even then only in some areas and only for light jobs. That sounds restrictive, but many of the best ways to make money at 13 are small jobs for neighbours that sit comfortably inside the rules.
Can you work at 13 in the UK?
Sometimes. The government's starting point is that part-time work begins at 14, but some councils allow it from 13 through their local bylaws. Where they do, the work has to be light and usually comes from an approved list, which typically includes:
- Delivering newspapers and leaflets
- Shop work, including stacking shelves
- Light garden and farm work
- Office work
- Hairdressing salons
- Riding stables, kennels and catteries
- Cafés and restaurants, but not in the kitchen
Check your own council's child employment page before you start, because the list varies from area to area. Businesses that employ you also need a child employment permit from the council, which is explained in child work permits in the UK.
How many hours can a 13 year old work?
Where it is allowed, 13 year olds normally follow the same limits as 14 year olds:
- No work before 7am, after 7pm or during school hours
- Up to 2 hours on a school day and on a Sunday
- Up to 5 hours on a Saturday, or on a weekday in the holidays
- 12 hours a week in term time and 25 a week in the holidays
- A break of at least an hour after 4 hours of work
The full breakdown is in can a 13 year old work in the UK?
12 ways to make money at 13
- Wash cars on your street. A bucket, a sponge, microfibre cloths and a hose are all you need, and a clean car is easy for anyone to judge. Read how to make money washing cars.
- Walk dogs for neighbours. Start with one calm dog at a time on a route you know. See dog walking as a teenager.
- Rake leaves and sweep paths. Autumn is full of these jobs and they need no skill beyond doing them properly.
- Water plants and feed pets while families are on holiday.
- Help with tech. Setting up a new phone, sorting Wi-Fi or showing someone how to video call their grandchildren.
- Weed and tidy gardens. Hand weeding and clearing up is safe work that people hate doing themselves.
- Do a paper or leaflet round if your council allows work at 13.
- Help a neighbour sort a garage or loft, carrying light boxes and bagging rubbish.
- Make and sell things such as bracelets, art or cakes, through a parent's account because most selling apps are 18+.
- Tutor younger children in reading or maths.
- Wrap presents and put up decorations in December.
- Take on extra jobs at home beyond your normal chores, if your family is happy to pay for them.
How much should a 13 year old charge?
There is no minimum wage under 16, so price each job and keep it simple. A fair place to start is roughly £8 to £12 for washing a family car, £5 to £8 for a short dog walk and £10 to £15 for an hour of garden tidying, then adjust once people know your work. The full price guide covers more jobs.
How to find your first customers
- Start with people you already know, such as neighbours, family friends and friends' parents.
- Do the first job really well, because recommendations spread fast on a street.
- Use KidsHustle, which shows paid jobs posted by verified adults near you, with your parent approving each one before you apply.
Staying safe at 13
- A parent or carer should always know where you are and who you are working for.
- Stick to jobs at ground level, so no ladders, roofs or power tools.
- Agree what you are doing and what you will be paid before you start.
- If anything feels wrong, leave and tell an adult.
Find jobs near you
KidsHustle is built for exactly this age. Every job is posted by an ID-verified adult, your parent approves it before you apply, and payment is set aside before you start so you never chase anyone for cash. Download KidsHustle to see what is near you, or read the full guide to making money as a teenager in the UK.