Employing an apprentice

I’ve been thinking about taking on my grandson in the business. He’s only just left high school, but I’d like him to get involved in the business as I’d like him to look after the business after I’m gone. I’ve always taken on adults, so can you tell me what the main things I’d need to consider would be please?

Charlie, Widnes

Young workers have a lower limit to how many hours they can work (working time directive), when during the day then can actually work and more breaks are required during their shifts. And normal holiday and health and safety rules apply to young workers.

On the plus side, the National Minimum Wage that applies to young workers is lower than that for adults.

Depending on the level of their income and when they’re working, young employees can be subject to normal tax and National Insurance deductions. If they earn above £102 per week, then they’ll need to be added to the payroll, but they can earn up to £136 per week before you need to start calculating any deductions.

You may also be interested in the National Apprenticeship Service. Through this scheme, young people obtain on-the-job training from the employer and qualifications, and the employer gets some or all of the training costs subsidised by the government.

If you would like to discuss this further, please feel free to contact your local TaxAssist Accountant.

We provide tax accountancy services in Widnes and throughout the UK. http://www.taxassist.co.uk