Hiring a young employee can be trickier than it looks. If the Employer does not apply the procedures correctly, it can cause exposure to the business. We are here to help your business be compliant with all aspects of employment law. Let’s begin by understanding what ages limits are in place.

The Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act 1996 generally applies to young employees under 18 years of age. According to the Act, a child is a person who is under 16 years old. However, a young person means a person who ages from 16 to 18 years old.

Under 16’s employees should not work full-time. They are allowed do some ‘light work’ during the school holidays and part-time during the school term (over 15 years only), or as part of work experience from school.

• 14 years: Term-time: Nil
• 15 years: Term-time: 8 hours

Both age groups above are allowed work 40 hours on ‘work experience’ – where the maximum week is 35 hours, the maximum day is 7 hours. A maximum of 40 hours week means a maximum of 8 hours daily.

PS: During the summer holidays, under 16s must have at least 21 days free from work. Before employing a child under 16, the Employer must get written permission from the parents or guardian.

• Maximum working day: 8 hours
• Maximum working week: 40 hours

Under 16s may not be required to work before 8 am or after 8 pm. In general, under 18s may not be employed before 6 am or after 10 pm.

During school holidays, and on weekend nights where the young person has no school the next day, under 18s may work up to 11 pm (however, please note that night work beyond 10 pm requires Ministerial approval by regulation). The ban on early morning work then moves forward to 7 am.

Note there are some exceptions on night work regulations, find more here

Are you unsure if your business is compliant when hiring young employees? Learn more about our services. We can guide you through your obligations. Book your free consultation by completing the form below: