It’s the time of year again when some young people may be thinking about getting a part time or summer job. The thought of starting a job for the first time may be a little frightening or off putting. But don’t worry, once you get started there are lots of benefits, including having your own money, making new friends and learning new skill. Some places even offer a discount to staff !!

Here is some useful information that will help you know your rights when deciding about starting a job.

Did You Know?

There is a law that protects the health of young workers in Ireland and ensures that work carried out during the school year does not put young people’s education at risk. This law is called The Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act 1996.

The Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act 1996.

The act generally applies to employees under the age of 18 years of age. Under the act, employers cannot employ young people under 16 in regular full time jobs.

Employers Can Employ Young People :

• Children aged 14 or over may do light work during the school holidays. They cannot work more than 7 hours in any one day. 35 hours is the maximum hours they can work in one week.

• Children over 15 but under 16 may do light work up to 8 hours a week during school term time.

• Children under 16 may work up to 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week if they are on an approved work experience or educational program where the work is not harmful to their health, safety or development. Approved work experience or educational programs for people under 16 are work experience, training or educational program approved by the Minister for Education, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment or by FÁS

• Children under 16 must have at least 21 days off work during the summer holidays.

• Children can be employed in film, cultural, advertising work or sport under licenses issued by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Maximum weekly working hours for children under 16

Time off and rest breaks for children under 16

Time Off & Rest Breaks For Young People Under 16.

Employers may not get young people to work before 8am in the morning or after 8pm at night.

Working hours, time off and rest breaks for young people aged 16 and 17

Evidence of Age & Permission of Parents

Employers must see a copy of the young person’s birth certificate or other evidence of his or her age before employing them. If the young person is under 16, the employer must get the written permission of the young person parent or guardian.

Wages

All employees in Ireland are entitled by law to a payslip. A payslip is a statement in writing from the employer to the employee that outlines the total pay before tax and all details of any money taken from your pay.

In Ireland the minimum wage rate for an experienced adult employee is €8.65 per hour.

The minimum wage rate for an experienced adult employee is defined as being over 18 and working for 2 years or more.

If you are under 18 then the minimum wage is €6.06 per hour.

From 18 onwards you should be paid €6.92 per hour in your 1st year of employment and €7.79 per hour in your 2nd year of employment.

For further information contact:

National Employment Rights Authority

Dept. Information Services

Government Buildings

O'Brien Road

Carlow

Opening Hours: Mon. to Fri. 9.30am to 5pm

Tel: (059) 917 8990

Locall: 1890 80 80 90

Web: http://www.employmentrights.ie

Email: info@employmentrights.ie

www.citizensinformation.ie is a great site for info about your rights and entitlements