Restrictions for young employees

Work must not damage a young person’s health or development, or cause harm to their education. Induction training and work supervision must be carried out particularly well for young employees.

The Act protects workers under 18 in the following ways:

• You can enter into an employment contract once you are 15 years old.
• If you are 15 years old and have completed comprehensive education, you can become a permanent employee.
• If you are 14 years old or turn 14 in the current year, you can work for half of your holiday period.
• At 14 years of age, you can be employed in work that is not too straining with your guardian’s permission. With permission from your guardian, you can sign the contract yourself.
• If you are under 18, you cannot be employed in work that may adversely affect your health, development, or education.

Read more about restrictions for young workers in Employer’s Guide > Hiring a young worker.