Legislation defines special working conditions for persons aged 14 to 18
The State Labour Service of Ukraine has issued clarifications regarding the employment of minors under martial law. The document regulates age restrictions, working hours, and guarantees for young workers. This is reported by the portal PromPolitInform, citing information from Kyiv City State Administration, based on data from the State Labour Service of Ukraine.
As part of the “Step into the Light!” campaign, specialists from the agency reminded that the official employment of teenagers is permitted from the age of 16. For younger individuals, there are special conditions: at 15, consent from one parent is required, and at 14, consent from guardians is necessary, along with the performance of light work that does not interfere with education.
Work schedule and conditions
During martial law, the legislation sets limits on the duration of the working week. Teenagers aged 16-18 can work no more than 36 hours per week, whereas for the 15-16 age category, as well as students aged 14-15 during school holidays, this figure is limited to 24 hours.
Before being hired, every teenager must undergo a medical examination. Subsequently, such check-ups become mandatory annually until the person reaches the age of 21. Employers are also required to keep a special register of such employees, recording their dates of birth.
Payment and social guarantees
Despite the shortened workday, teenagers are paid the same wages as adult employees working full-time. In cases where students work during their free time from studies, payment is calculated proportionally based on hours worked or production output.
Young workers are entitled to 31 calendar days of annual leave, although in certain cases, this period may be reduced to 24 days. Employers must also ensure the provision of study leave when necessary.
Dismissal and prohibitions
To terminate employment at the company’s initiative, permission must be obtained from the child welfare service. In the event of liquidation of the enterprise or the employee’s failure to meet the position’s requirements, dismissal is possible only as an exception, provided that mandatory re-employment is arranged.
It is forbidden to employ minors in heavy, hazardous, or dangerous conditions, in underground workshops, or for overtime work or work on weekends. Business trips for such individuals are also prohibited.
Photo: Kyiv City State Administration
