Richmond upon Thames is a good place to be a teenager looking for work. Big gardens, tree-lined streets, lots of dog owners and plenty of busy households mean there is a steady supply of small paid jobs, from leaf clearing in autumn to car washing in summer. Here is how teenagers across Richmond, Twickenham, Teddington, Kew, Barnes, East Sheen and Hampton can find it.
The rules in Richmond
The national rules on working under 18 apply in Richmond, alongside the council's own bylaws on the employment of children. In short, while you are still of school age:
- You cannot work during school hours, before 7am or after 7pm.
- In term time you can work up to 2 hours on a school day or Sunday, and 12 hours a week.
- On Saturdays you can work up to 5 hours at 13 or 14, and up to 8 hours at 15 or 16.
- In the holidays you can work up to 25 hours a week at 13 or 14, and 35 hours a week at 15 or 16.
Businesses employing school-age children in the borough generally need a child employment permit from the council. Children's services in Richmond are delivered by Achieving for Children, so check the Richmond Council website for the current permit process. The full national rules are in can a 13 year old work in the UK?
Jobs in demand locally
- Leaf clearing. Richmond's trees mean a lot of leaves every autumn. The council clears public streets but not private driveways or forecourts, so households need help with their own. See leaf clearing.
- Garden work. Weeding, sweeping and mowing for the borough's many family homes. See gardening jobs for teenagers.
- Dog walking. Richmond Park, Bushy Park and the riverside make it a dog-owner's borough. Always follow the park rules, including keeping dogs on leads around the deer when required.
- Car washing. Plenty of driveways and family cars.
- Tech help. Setting up phones, tablets and smart TVs for older residents.
- Pet sitting and plant watering during school holidays, when many families are away.
- Christmas jobs such as wrapping and decorating.
Where to look
- Neighbours and family friends on your own street
- Independent shops, cafés and garden centres in Richmond, Twickenham, Teddington and Barnes, if you are 14 or over
- Sports and riverside clubs that need help with younger members
- KidsHustle, which shows paid jobs posted by ID-verified adults near you
What to charge
Prices in Richmond tend to sit at the higher end of the UK, in line with the rest of London, but start sensibly while you build reviews. The teen price guide gives fair starting points.
Find jobs in Richmond
Download KidsHustle to see paid jobs near you in Richmond upon Thames. Every job comes from an ID-verified adult, your parent approves each one before you apply, and payment is set aside before you start. For more ideas, read how to make money as a teenager in the UK.