How to Get a Job at 16 in the UK (Even With No Experience)

by Yum Yum Mama Team June 19, 2025

Turning 16 is a big deal—and for many, it’s the perfect time to land your first job. Whether you're looking to earn some extra money or gain real-world experience, this guide walks you through how to get a job at 16 in the UK, even if you have no GCSEs or experience.

Can You Work at 16 in the UK?

Yes! In the UK, 16-year-olds are legally allowed to work part-time or full-time depending on their education status.

Quick Facts:

You can work up to 8 hours a day, up to 40 hours per week
You must still be in some form of education or training until age 18
You must receive at least the National Minimum Wage for your age group (£6.40/hour from April 2024)

How to Get a Job at 16 with No Experience

Many employers don’t expect a long CV at this age. Instead, they look for:

Reliability and a good attitude
Punctuality and presentation
Willingness to learn

Steps to Get Started:

Create a simple CV: Highlight your school subjects, skills (e.g. communication, teamwork), and any hobbies or volunteering.
Write a short cover letter: Explain why you’re interested in the job and what you bring to the table.
Get your documents ready: You may need your National Insurance number.
Start applying! (scroll down for job ideas and where to find them)

What Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the UK?

You’d be surprised how many roles welcome 16-year-olds. Here are some of the most popular:

1. Retail Jobs

Shops like Tesco, Co-op, Primark, and WHSmith often hire young people for weekend or holiday shifts.

💰 Pay: £6.40–£9.00/hr
📍 Where to look: Company websites or job boards like Indeed

2. Hospitality Jobs

Work as a barista, kitchen assistant, waiter or in fast food chains like McDonald's or KFC.

💡 Tip: You might need a work permit from your local council if under 18.

3. Warehouse or Stockroom Work (non-heavy lifting)

Some brands hire young people for light stock duties.

4. Babysitting or Pet Sitting

If you’re responsible and love kids or animals, local families may be looking.

5. Online Gigs (with permission)

Try completing surveys (e.g. Swagbucks UK), designing digital cards, or reselling items via eBay (with adult help).

Can I Get a Job at Tesco at 16?

Yes – Tesco hires 16-year-olds for roles such as customer assistants. You’ll usually start with:

Weekend shifts
Training provided
Friendly team environments

Apply directly on the Tesco Careers website and filter by age eligibility.

What If I Don’t Have Any GCSEs?

You don’t need GCSEs for most starter jobs at 16. Employers are more interested in your:

Work ethic
Enthusiasm
Reliability

💡 But if you’re still working on your GCSEs, that’s okay! Mention your predicted grades or goals in your application.

Working Hours for 16-Year-Olds (UK Law)

Term-time: Max 12 hours/week
School holidays: Up to 35–40 hours/week
Rest: 2 days off each week + 1 hour break if working 4+ hours

Visit Gov.uk for full legal details.

💡 Where to Find Jobs for 16-Year-Olds

✅ Indeed.co.uk
✅ Tesco Careers
✅ Yum Yum Mama’s Student Job Board – launching soon
✅ Local cafes, supermarkets, leisure centres (ask in person)

Final Tips

Keep your CV and cover letter short and honest
Ask teachers or family friends if they know someone hiring
Be polite and professional when applying or interviewing
Keep trying — it’s normal to face rejection at first

Bonus: Want Weekly Student Job Alerts?

Our UK-wide student job board launches in September 2025 and will include jobs specifically for 16–18-year-olds—online and in-person.

👉 Sign up to get early access