'child' working

[NameChangeForThisOneToday]

My 8yr old DS wants a job. He's really determined and full of energy and I think he could handle a couple of hours getting paid for something each week.

I have signed up to deliver papers on a Saturday morning, and thought he could accompany me each week and take the earnings. I have signed up only for this purpose as I wouldn't do it otherwise!!! Obviously, I'll carry the papers. He can put some through doors to 'help'!

I know this is illegal (is it?) but I can't see the harm and think it'll be great for him! He only needs to come when he wants! But he could earn quite a bit as I plan to give him all the wages earnt on the days and for the hours he comes (I'm expecting 2 hrs each Saturday morning).

My question - I'm scared I'm going to get arrested or something!! Or social services will be at my door if someone reports it.

Would I get in trouble for this?

I think it's good parenting and helping him learn the value of money. He really wants to do it. It will be nice exercise each week, and nice time together on a Saturday morning.

It's not him with the job though. He is assisting you with your job.

demwntedpixie - well yes, officially, but he'll be getting the wage! I think it's ok though isn't it, as it will be my name on the job application, and he's only officially 'coming along', even though I'll be paying him the wage I'm given. Thanks, makes me feel better! I think we'll go ahead as he'd love it! He announced tonight he'd be earning at least £50 a month, which is well over £500 a year!! So he'll be a rich little 8 year old!!!

You have a little Entrepreneur in the making OP.

No different to earning pocket money in my eyes

Thanks Roselilly and elephantonascooter! He's quite excited, so we'll go ahead! Nice to have some positive responses, I was worried people would tell me not to go ahead! Thank you!

Of course it's fine! Why on earth would it be illegal?!

Thanks pinkyredrose! (Well I suppose I was worried because it's really a job for him! And he'll be earning the wage, but you r supposed to be 13 to work in this country. I'm reassured now though!! So we'll plough ahead with the plan!!)

Entrepreneur!? ...
Yes he seems to be!! He's determined to have a mansion and a lambourgini by the time he's 20!! Have no idea where he gets it from, I'm not at all materialistic or money motivated, nor is my husband or DS's brother! We have a regular 3bed semi and a normal car, and he goes to a normal school! But hey! If it's what he wants!! and if he learns he needs to work hard to get it, I'm happy with that!!

A friend of ours dc used to buy bulk chocolate bars in Costco and sell them in school undercutting the vending machines. She made a tidy little profit.

Could you also look at setting up an EBay shop or if he can make stuff then an Etsy shop?

Just check there's no tax implications for you of your salary increasing.

Bernadette - sound like good ideas! We'll try paper delivery at 8, and then maybe eBay shop when he's 9 :) (yeah, I'll check the tax! Thanks!)

Just check there's no tax implications for you of your salary increasing a paper round won't affect this, trust me!

He's not earning a wage, you are and giving him the same amount of money as pocket money, so absolutely fine. It will probably be lovely in the nicer weather, perhaps less so on colder wetter days

So if you are already earning you will lose at least 20% of the money in tax and then probably 12% in Ni so his £50 becomes £34.
Only you will be covered by the papers employers liability liability insurance. The papershop may not be happy with the 'subcontracting' of the end delivery and also maybe concerned that children's service may see this as indirectly employing a minor which as he is not yet 13 is illegal unless it is film, TV or modelling.
It maybe fine, but it is neither in the spirit or the letter of child employment law. Which requires that over 13 to 16 they need a licence to work and must not start before 7am.
'Employ' him doing jobs at home till he is 13 and then get him a paper round with a licence.

Why can't you just pay him to do stuff at home?

If customers complain because he's screwed their papers up trying to get it through the letter box the newsagent might want him to carry on doing it. There is plenty of time to earn money, I'd wait until he was 10.

My DS has had a paper round for the last six months; he’s just turned 14.

To be honest I think it has made him rather too fixated with money. He actually has more than he knows what to do with and is very averse to saving so ends up buying lots of tech and ridiculously overpriced designer sportswear.

My older kids were 16 before they had jobs and seemed to handle it much better.