New regulations strengthening protections for children with part-time jobs have come into force in the Isle of Man.

The Employment of Children (No.2) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, approved by Tynwald in December last year, set out clearer rules on when and where children can work.

The rules apply regardless of whether a child attends school or is home educated. Children under the age of 13 are not permitted to work in the Isle of Man.

Updated guidance has also been published to help employers, parents and carers understand the regulations, including permitted working hours, rest breaks and risk assessment requirements.

Education, Sport and Culture Minister Daphne Caine MHK said the changes aim to ensure young people are protected while still allowing them to gain experience through part-time work.

She said: ‘The department recognises the real benefits part-time work brings in building confidence, communication skills and financial awareness, while making clear that education must always take priority.

‘The updated regulations continue to protect young people while still giving them opportunities to gain valuable work experience in a safe and supportive environment.’

Under the rules, children can work up to two hours on weekday evenings during term time and up to four hours on Fridays. At weekends and during school holidays they may work up to seven hours a day.

Children are not allowed to work before 7am and must not exceed a total of 28 hours of work per week across all jobs.

The regulations also require rest breaks, with children entitled to a 15-minute break after two continuous hours of work or a 30-minute break after four hours.

Certain types of work are prohibited, including selling tobacco, vapes or alcohol, working in high-risk kitchen environments, undertaking salon tasks involving harmful chemicals, or carrying out door-to-door sales.

Employers must complete a risk assessment before a child begins work and keep records of every child they employ.

Breaching the regulations is a criminal offence for both employers and parents or carers.