Summary
If you’re under 18 and working in Ireland, or thinking about getting a job, it’s important to understand your rights. The law in Ireland is there to protect young people’s health, safety, and education. There are different rules in place for employment, depending on your age.
Staying protected, and on the right side of the law
It’s the summer, and you want to make a bit of extra cash to help pay your way in life. That’s a great idea, and an opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills and keep yourself busy – but you also need to stay protected.
If you want to go into more depth, please visit Citizens Information
Otherwise, keep reading!
If you’re 14 or 15
At 14 and 15, young people are still in school, so there are limits to the work that you can do. Here is a list of important things you should know if you’re 14/15 and thinking of getting a job.
- You can only be employed for “light work”, this means jobs that are safe and won’t affect your wellbeing and school life.
- Your employer must get permission for a parent or guardian before you start working for them.
- At 14, you can’t work during the school term.
- At 15, the maximum you can work is 8 hours a week during school term.
- During school holidays, you can work more hours. The limit during these school breaks is 7 hours a day and 35 hours a week. (The only exception for this is if it is an approved work experienced programme, you can work 40 hours a week)
- You can only work between 8am and 8pm.
- You’re entitled to a 30-minute break after 4 hours of work.
- You must get 14 hours’ rest between shifts.
- You must get 2 days off a week.
- If working for the summer, you still need to get at least 21 days’ break during the holidays.
If you’re 16 or 17
At 16 and 17, young people may no longer be in school, so there are different working limits in place. Here is a list of important things you should know if you’re 16/17 and thinking of getting a job.
- You can work up to 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week.
- You can only work between 6am and 10pm. (If you work in a restaurant/pub this can be later if you don’t have school the next day).
- You are entitled to a 30-minute break after 4.5 hours working.
- You must get 12 hours rest between shifts.
- You must get 2 days off a week.
While you can work more hours at this age, a job still shouldn’t interfere with your education, health or wellbeing.
For all young people under 18
There are some rules that apply to everyone under 18. You should not be asked to do any work that is dangerous or harmful. The law also protects you from working very late at night, as rest is important to your wellbeing.
You have the right to be paid for work, but it’s important to know that there is a reduced minimum wage (currently €9.91per hour) for those under 18, which is about 70% of the adult minimum wage.
Under 18, your employer has the responsibility to:
- Keep a record of your working hours and pay.
- Check your age before they employ you.
- Make sure you are getting the right breaks and time off.
Working can be a great way to learn new skills, make friends and earn some money. It’s important that work is always safe and fair under 18, and that it doesn’t interfere with your school, health and safety. You deserve to feel safe respected and supported in any job you do.
If you would like to reach out and chat to us at Childline about working or looking for a job, we’re always here to listen. You can contact us here on the website by live chat, or by calling us on 1800 66 66 66.
Key takeaways
- Make sure and know your rights, before you accept a job offer
- Your rights differ depending on your age
- Prioritise your physical, mental and emotional health
- Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself
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