Some facts on the Minimum Wage and People Under 18

• The minimum wage does apply to young people and employers do have to pay it
• The rate for those under 18 years of age is €4.90 per hour
• The rate is calculated BEFORE TAX
• In restaurant and bar jobs, tips can not be used by employers to calculate the hourly wage level
• In the following limited number of cases, there are exemptions from the minimum wage:
• If your employer is a close relative (runs the family business)
• If you are an apprentice doing training
• In some exceptional circumstances, an employer can be granted an exemption by the Labour Court from paying the minimum wage

Some of the Rights and Obligations under ‘The Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act 1996

16 and 17 year old workers:

• Are entitled to a 30 minute rest break after working for four and-a-half hours.
• Can not be asked to work after 11pm.
• Should have two days off every seven days
• Can not be asked to work more than 40 hours a week

Young workers under 16 years old:

• Are entitled to a 30minute rest break after working for four hours
• Can not be asked to work more than 35 hours a week
• Have 2 days off every seven days
• Can not be asked to work after 8pm

All employers of people under 18:

• Should display a poster detailing the rights of young people in the workplace
• Must keep a register containing the following particulars of each person employed: full name & D.OB.,time work begins and finishes each day, wage rates and total amount of wage paid to each person

If some one has a query, or wants to make a complaint about the Minimum Wage or Young Persons Employment Act, they can contact: Employment Rights Information Unit Lo-call 1890 201 615

An Information Pack on rights for Young people is available from the Citizens Information Centre, Ennis: Tel (065) 6841221.

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