Labour law

In what conditions may people under 18 work?

Huquqchi legal team

Workers under eighteen have shorter working hours (at most 36 hours a week from 16 to 18), a ban on harmful and dangerous work, and a compulsory medical check every year. The employer may not put them on night work, overtime or work on rest days.

Working hours

Under article 415 of the Labour Code, working time does not exceed 36 hours a week for those aged 16 to 18, and 24 hours a week for those aged 15 to 16. For pupils who work in their free time during the school year, half of that limit applies. Under article 420, shortened working time is paid as if it were full working time. Pupils who work in their free time are paid for the time they worked or by output.

Prohibitions

Under article 412 of the Labour Code, work in harmful and (or) dangerous conditions, underground work, work that can harm life, health and moral development, and lifting loads above the set norms are forbidden. Under article 417, business trips, overtime work, night work and work on rest days and public holidays are also forbidden. There is an exception for creative workers and professional sportspeople under a special list.

The medical check

Under article 414 of the Labour Code, a person is hired only after a preliminary compulsory medical check. After that the check is repeated every year until the age of 18. The employer pays for the check.

Dismissal

Under article 421 of the Labour Code, dismissal of a minor worker on the employer's initiative needs the consent of the local labour body in addition to the general procedure.

Legal sources

Legal basisLabour Code, article 415 Legal basisLabour Code, article 417 Legal basisLabour Code, article 412

This article gives legal information, not legal advice. For your own situation, consult a qualified lawyer.