Page 42 - Workplace Relations Guide to Employment Law

Children over age 14

Summary of Provisions in Relation to Employment of Children over age 14
Age Max hours per Max hours per Permitted Maximum work
week/day during week/day outside hours of work experience per
school term school term week/day **
14 Nil 35/7 8am - 8pm 40 hours/8 hours

15 8 35/7 8am - 8pm 40 hours/8 hours

**The reference to “work experience” in the table above is to training or work experience programmes approved by
the Minister of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation or an tSeirbhis Oideachais Leanunaigh agus Scileanna (SOLAS)..

Children over the age of 14 may only be work in the Summer. They must also be given
employed in light work, that is, non-industrial a 30 minutes break if working more than 4
work where there is no risk to the health and hours. If working during the summer holidays,
safety of the child, and which is not harmful 14 and 15 year olds must get 2 days off in
to their attendance at school. 14 and 15 year every week which shall, as far as is practicable,
olds must be allowed a 21 day break from be consecutive.

Young People

Summary of Provisions in Relation to Employment of Young People.

Age Max hours per week/day Max hours per week Permitted hours of work
during school term
16 & 8 40 6am-10pm
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Sixteen and seventeen year olds must receive Additional Information
a 30 minutes break if working for more than a
4.5 hour period. They must receive 2 days off The Explanatory Booklet on the Protection
in every 7, which shall, as far as is practicable, of Young Persons (Employment) Act 1996,
be consecutive. a summary of the Act in both poster and
leaflet format and the Code of Practice are
Regulations have been made which permit available on request, or downloadable from
young persons (i.e. 16 and 17 year olds) www.workplacerelations.ie.
employed on general duties or as apprentices,
in licensed premises to work beyond 10pm in
certain circumstances and subject to specific
requirements. There is also a Code of Practice
Concerning the Employment of Young
Persons in Licensed Premises.

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