Farm work for teenagers under 16

[rynik]

My family is new to the UK. We are coming in August to live in either Leeds or Sheffield, as part of my career growth. I have a son who is now 15.5 and his dream is to work on a crop farm in the UK. For the last two years he was working on a very large cooperative farm in our home village in Israel, where they grow wheat, corn, cotton, watermelons, chickpeas, garlic and more. He did this in parallel to his school education, about 50% work and 50% study.
Is a situation like this possible in the UK? Will there be farms that would take him as a worker? He speaks very good English, knows a lot about farming and farming machinery, and is eager to learn more and work hard.

 

[Princess Pooper]

The problem you have is that for an employee below the age of 16, the farmer has to register with the local council and most just don’t want the hassle. Once he is 16 he might have a chance. Good luck to him.

 

[deleted user 837354]

If the lad is that keen and doesn't mind mucking in I am sure someone will gladly take him no problem. But don't kids in the UK have to stay in education until they are 18 now?

 

[delilah]

https://swillingtonorganicfarm.co.uk/product/garden-subscription

https://communitysupportedagriculture.org.uk/farms/regather/

https://communitysupportedagriculture.org.uk/farms/kirkstall-valley-farm/

https://communitysupportedagriculture.org.uk/farms/meanwood-valley-urban-farm-market-garden/

 

[rynik]

https://swillingtonorganicfarm.co.uk/product/garden-subscription

https://communitysupportedagriculture.org.uk/farms/regather/

https://communitysupportedagriculture.org.uk/farms/kirkstall-valley-farm/

https://communitysupportedagriculture.org.uk/farms/meanwood-valley-urban-farm-market-garden/

Thank you! I will visit these places and see if they can offer any work-education options for my son.

 

[rynik]

The problem you have is that for an employee below the age of 16, the farmer has to register with the local council and most just don’t want the hassle. Once he is 16 he might have a chance. Good luck to him.

Thank you, understood. What if the child wants to volunteer and not to get paid. Is this an option? Without the hassle of registering with the local council.

 

[Netherfield]

Thank you, understood. What if the child wants to volunteer and not to get paid. Is this an option? Without the hassle of registering with the local council.

NO

And even if registered there's a limit to the hours can be worked per day and per week. No wonder newsagents struggle to get papers delivered.

 

[Pieces_of_Eight]

These days the UK has quite strict 'Modern Slavery' laws, which includes the exploitation of children.

Young people at work: The law - HSE

As an employer, when you employ young people under the age of 18, you have the same responsibilities for their health, safety and welfare as you do for other workers

www.hse.gov.uk