When can I get a job?

The Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act applies a number of restrictions in relation to the employment of minors. This act defines a child as a person less than 16 years old and a 'young person' as a person who is 16 years or older, but has not yet reached the age of 18.

If you are aged 14 years or older, you can be employed to do light work during school holidays. If you are aged 15 years or older, you can also be employed to do light work during the school term. If you are 16 years or older, and have finished full-time education, you can get a full-time job.

If you are under 16, you must have written permission from a parent or guardian in order to begin working. You must also provide your employer with a copy of your birth certificate or other evidence of your age.

How many hours can I work as a child?

If you are aged 14 years or older, you can be employed to do light work during school holidays. You cannot work for more than seven hours a day and you can only work up to a maximum of 35 hours a week. You can also be employed under a Minister for Education approved work placement during school holidays, and this work must not exceed eight hours in one day or 40 hours a week. In addition, you must have at least a 21 day period in the summer holidays during which you are not working.

If you are aged 15 years or older, you can be employed to do light work during the school term. However, this must not exceed eight hours per week. If you are under 16, you should not be working before 8am in the morning or after 8pm in the evening. In general, 16- and 17-year-olds should not be working before 6am in the morning or after 10pm at night.

There are different rules for 16- and 17-year-olds working part-time in bars or restaurants. They may work until 11pm (if they are not attending school the following day), and commence work the following day no earlier than 7am. Bar apprentices may work until 12am at night, and commence work no earlier than 8am.

What kind of breaks am I entitled to?

A child under 16 years of age is entitled to a half-hour break every four hours, 14 consecutive hours rest every day and two days off per week.

A young person over the age of 16 is entitled to a half-hour break after 4.5 hours of work, 12 consecutive hours rest every day and two days off per week.

For more information, contact the National Employment Rights Authority (www.employmentrights.ie)