The pros and cons of employing 16-18-year-olds

25 June 2026

New figures from the Office for National Statistics, reported by the BBC, show that the number of 16–24-year-olds in the UK not in employment, education or training has risen above one million, the highest level in 12 years.

For employers, this raises an important question. Is now the time to look at hiring younger workers?

Bringing 16-18-year-olds into your business can bring real benefits, but it also comes with extra responsibilities. Here is what employers need to weigh up.

The advantages

Younger workers often bring energy, fresh ideas and a willingness to learn that can benefit a business. Other advantages include:

• Lower wage costs, as 16-17-year-olds fall into a separate National Minimum Wage band
• Access to apprenticeship funding and incentives
• The opportunity to train staff in your own way of working from the outset
• Building a loyal, long-term workforce who grow with the business
• Helping to address the rising number of young people who are currently out of work or education

The challenges

Employing younger workers also brings additional legal obligations that employers must not overlook. These include:

• Stricter working time rules, including limits on hours and restrictions on night work
• A legal requirement to carry out a specific risk assessment for young workers under health and safety law
• In certain industries, limitations on what products they can sell or services that they can deliver, for example, the sale of alcohol is not permitted by someone under the age of 18
• Closer supervision and additional training time in the early stages
• Restrictions on certain hazardous tasks and equipment
• Potentially higher staff turnover as younger employees explore their career options

Getting it right

With the right policies and procedures in place, employing 16–18-year-olds can be a positive move for both the business and the young person involved. It does mean understanding your obligations from day one.

Our employment team can help you put the right contracts, policies and risk assessments in place to employ younger workers safely and compliantly. Get in touch today for expert advice on employing 16-18-year-olds.