The booming economy has meant that summer jobs for teenagers are no longer difficult to find and many use their holidays as an opportunity to earn their own money.
Unfortunately, not all job experiences are positive ones despite stringent employment laws designed to protect children from exploitation by unscrupulous employers.
The current skills shortage has left many employers understaffed and overstretched. This is a situation that may tempt employers to ignore the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1996, which was designed to protect workers under the age of 18. Parents should be aware of their child's rights under this law.
Minimum age
The minimum employment age is 16 for regular, full-time employment. Children aged 14 and 15 may be employed for light work during school holidays or as part of an approved work experience or educational programme. Those who have reached age 15 may work part-time during the school term.
Exceptions to the age restrictions may be made in the case of close relatives working in a family business or farm as long as the health and safety environment meets requirements.
Maximum working hours
The maximum working week for 14- and 15-year-olds is 35 hours during holidays and 40 hours per week for work experience. The maximum work day is seven hours. After four hours of work, a 30-minute rest break is required. The young person must have 14 consecutive hours off before resuming work again and two days off per week. They must have at least 21 days free from work during the summer holidays.
The rules are less stringent for 16- and 17-year-olds, with a 30-minute break required after 4.5 hours of work, a maximum of eight hours per day and 40 hours per week. They must have 12 consecutive hours off and two days off per week.
Night and early morning work
The legislation also limits night and early morning work. Under 16s may not work before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m. whereas 16- and 17-year-olds may not work before 6 a.m. and after 10 p.m. During holidays this work restriction changes to before 7 a.m. and after 11 p.m.
Employers' responsibilities
Under the Act, employers are required to give their workers under 18 a copy of the official summary of the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act with other details of their employment within one month of taking up the job. They must also display the official summary in the workplace.
Offences and fines
Any person guilty of offences under the Act is liable on summary conviction to a fine of up to £1,500 (€1,905). If the practice continues, fines of up to £250 a day may be imposed.
Health and safety Naturally, parents may have concerns about their child's safety while at work. Minors are protected under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989.
Minimum wage
A minimum wage has not been set for this year. However, £4.40 per hour is expected to come into effect in April 2000.
Complaints and questions relating to the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1996, may be directed, in confidence, to the Employment Rights Section, Department of Enterprise and Employment, Davitt House, Adelaide Road, Dublin 2. A summary of the Act is also available from the Department.
