Employing A 16 Year Old I Don't Know

[barry1010]

A 16 year old lad is looking for gardening work. I could do with a hand but I am worried about the legalities of it - maybe I'm looking at it too deeply.

Can he use electrical equipment? What about insurance in case he gets hurt? Would I need a DBS check?

Years ago I wouldn't have thought twice about hiring a helping hand but things change.

[bobbinwales]

Would you be his only client? Isn't it up to him to set himself up.

[1ozzy]

Kids love earning a bit of pocket money.
Just make sure he can't injure himself.

[rowanwitch]

Looks like a minefield, I would get some advice, maybe from local job centre

[barry1010]

I know that if he were coming to my house for lessons, piano say, I would have to be dbs checked.
I could just as easily abuse him if I were paying him to garden.

I will speak to the job centre. I want to encourage youngsters but I want it to be above board for both of us

[rowanwitch]

You will need insurance, and possibly at 16 he will need to be paid properly rather than cash in hand, neither can the work interfere with the requirement to attend part time education.

[Zacs-Master]

Minefield. Don’t go there.

[New Judge]

//I know that if he were coming to my house for lessons, piano say, I would have to be dbs checked.
I could just as easily abuse him if I were paying him to garden.//

You wouldn't, actually barry.

It is not obligatory for a music teacher who teaches in his own home to undergo a DBS check. However, it is highly recommended. As an individual, you would only be able to apply for a "basic" DBS certificate. This will show "unspent" convictions only. If you wanted a standard or enhanced check only an employer or regulatory body can make the request. (in the case of a music teacher, the Musicians Union can do this).

[barry1010]

Thanks all, I've decided to look for an adult to help me out. This lad won't be bringing his own tools so won't be familiar with them and the work I want doing is hard graft and messy.
I wasn't trying to get work done on the cheap - he is charging more than adult minimum wage.

Life is a lot more complicated since the days of 'bob a job week'

[Maydup]

Good decision. Unless its pocket money for odd jobs, its best not to go there. Its not approporaite for him to be charging proper rates, but not to have proper tools, insurances etc.

[barry1010]

Thanks, Maydup.

[DarceyK123]

Barry - are you saying he would be working on your garden or are you a gardener taking on an 'apprentice'?