Under 18 Working in Ireland: Employer Obligations

The Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act 1996 sets minimum ages, limits working hours, restricts night work for those under 18, and requires employers to keep specific records for any employee under 18. A WRC inspector may request this register during an assessment.

Working hours: how many hours can an under 18 work?

• Children under 16 cannot be employed in regular full-time jobs.
• Aged 14–15: employment only on a controlled basis. They may do light work during school holidays and must receive 21 days off during that holiday period. During school term, a 15-year-old may work a maximum of 8 hours per week; outside term, up to 35 hours (or 40 hours if on approved work experience).
• Aged 16–17: maximum of 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week.

These limits are presented in the Act summaries on the cited pages.

Minimum wage Ireland under 18: what rates apply?

The pages state updated national minimum wage rates effective 1 January 2025:

• Under 18: €9.45 per hour
• Age 18: €10.80 per hour
• Age 19: €12.15 per hour
• Age 20 and over: €13.50 per hour

They also note a related adjustment to the employer PRSI threshold for full-time minimum-wage employees. (The PRSI threshold details are referenced but not specified in the pages.)

Working register: what records must employers keep?

Employers must keep a dedicated register for employees under 18 that includes: full name; date of birth; daily start and finish times; pay rate for normal hours (per day/week/month/year, as relevant); and total pay.

What rest breaks and days off apply?

Employers must ensure the following minimums:

• A break of at least 30 consecutive minutes — the pages specify this after 4.5 hours of work.
• A daily rest of 12 consecutive hours in any 24-hour period.
• Two days’ rest in any 7-day period, where possible consecutive.

Can minors work late at night?

Employees under 18 are prohibited from working late at night under the Act; the pages summarise this restriction but do not specify exact “night work” hours. (Refer to the Act for definitions.)

What consent and proof of age are required?

Before employing a child, employers must obtain written permission from a parent or guardian, and must be given proof of age (e.g., a birth certificate or equivalent).

What will WRC inspectors look for?

During a WRC assessment, inspectors may request access to the company’s register of employees under 18 and check compliance with the Act’s limits on hours, rest, and records.

Do employers need to give workers a copy of the law?

Yes. The pages specify that employers must give employees a copy of the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act.

What happens if rules aren’t followed?

An employer — and, where relevant, a parent/guardian — who fails to comply with the Act’s provisions may be guilty of an offence. The pages emphasise this legal consequence.