Snag that Saturday job
Wednesday 16 November 2005
So you're skint, you're desperate to save money, but your pocket money is either non-existent or barely keeps you in crisps.
Sounds like you need a Saturday job. Here's our guide to setting yourself on the road to being a Saturday employee.
Restrictions on when you can work
Depending on your age, there are strict laws that restrict when you can and cannot work. There are also restrictions on the kind of work you can do. To see which rules apply to you, take a look at Advice Guide's info on employment for young people.
What kind of work?
What sort of work do you want to do? What would you be good at? Where would you like to work? It's important that you be realistic.
If your ideal job is to be professional footballer or a fashion model, then you probably won't be able to cram it all on a Saturday.
If you want to earn the cash, you may have to face facts and do a job that you wouldn't necessarily want to do as a career.
Shops and restaurants or cafes are the kind of places that usually look to hire Saturday staff. You may also find that lots of other places take on what's known as seasonal staff, who work for them at a particular time of the year: Christmas, summer, Easter.
Finding a Saturday job
A good way to find out if shops or businesses are hiring people to work on a Saturday is to ask them! Next time you're in town, pop in and ask the manager if they need any help on a Saturday.
If you want to work in a shop, head for those that are always really busy on a Saturday. Ask if they've got anything for you to do.
Some places advertise in their windows if they need help, while others put ads in your local paper. The best way to hear about these sorts of jobs is by word of mouth.
Get your relatives and mates to ask around; you'd be surprised at what's available if you ask.
If you show that you're keen to work, it'll look good with the manager. Why not offer to work on a trial basis? Ask the manager if he or she would give you a couple of weeks or a month to see if they like the way you work.
Getting paid
If you are 16 or over (and above school leaving age) you are entitled to earn a minimum wage. This is called the National Minimum Wage, which for workers aged under 18 is £3.00 an hour.
If you are under 16, you are not entitled to the National Minimum Wage.
