Petition · past parliament

Equalise employment law and minimum wage for 16-17 year olds with 18 year olds

Closed 29 signatures

What the petition asks

At 16 years of age you can legally have sex, start a family, leave home and leave school, but current laws mean 16-17 year olds are paid less and restricted in their employment opportunities. I want the employment opportunities for 16-17 year olds to be equalised with those of 18 year olds.
I understand that there needs to be an age restriction to sell or handle certain items, but 16-17 year olds should not be treated by employment law, or with regards to minimum wages. Employment law and minimum wages should be reformed so that 16-17 year olds are treated the same as 18 year olds.

Timeline

19 Aug 2020 Petition opened for signatures
19 Feb 2021 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 29
Status Closed
Opened 19 Aug 2020
Closed 19 Feb 2021

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.