Biznes Fakty
Work for minors in the 2025 summer holidays – what does the law say?
While summer break is often a time when numerous teenagers seek ways to earn some income, specialists caution that the employment of minors is governed by stringent legal stipulations. Under current regulations, individuals under 16 can only engage in work within certain sectors and must fulfill additional requirements.
A minor is defined as any individual who has not yet turned 18. In labor law terms, the phrase „young person” refers to someone who has reached the age of 15 but is still under 18.
Job Impulse experts emphasize that, according to Polish legislation, only those over 15 years old can be employed under a labor contract, provided they have completed their primary education. Parental consent is not a prerequisite.
What tasks can a young worker undertake?
Individuals aged 13 and older may engage in certain types of work under a service contract. However, this requires approval from their guardians and the labor inspector. Those under 16 are restricted to employment in the fields of arts, culture, sports, or advertising, and only with parental consent along with that of the labor inspector. Minors lacking professional qualifications may only undertake so-called light work or participate in vocational training. „This includes tasks that do not pose a risk to the health or physical and mental development of a young person and do not conflict with their educational responsibilities. Every company hiring minors must create its own list of light work and secure approval from the labor inspector. Examples of such work include assisting in an office, performing basic cleaning tasks, or undertaking minor crafts,” stated experts from Job Impulse. There is also a defined list of jobs that are prohibited for minors. These include activities that demand excessive physical effort, require awkward body positions, or involve exposure to hazardous substances. Contrary to common belief, minors are not allowed to work in fruit and vegetable harvesting, as such tasks often entail prolonged bending, which disqualifies them from the list of safe employment options.
There are exceptions
Some prohibited tasks may exceptionally be permitted for minors who have reached the age of 16, provided that their execution is essential as part of vocational training. – Summer employment is not merely a stepping stone into adulthood but also a complex legal maze in which one can easily become lost. It is important to be aware of the regulations to prevent good intentions from leading to risky employment situations and subsequent financial penalties. Legal employment is not just about adhering to rules; it is also foundational to ensuring a safe working environment and fostering an inclusive culture that respects the rights and equality of young workers,” remarked Łukasz Koszczoł, president of Job Impulse, as quoted in a press release. During holidays and school breaks, minors can work longer hours compared to the academic year. Those over 16 are allowed to work up to 7 hours daily and 35 hours weekly. Younger individuals can work for a maximum of 6 hours a day and 30 hours a week. During the school term, the work duration cannot exceed 2 hours per day and 12 hours per week. Crucially, a young person cannot attend school and work on the same day; educational and work commitments must be kept separate. „A young person cannot be scheduled for overtime or night shifts. The employer is also required to provide at least 14 hours of uninterrupted rest within a single day and 48 hours of weekly rest, including Sundays. Furthermore, after working for 4.5 hours, the young worker is entitled to a mandatory break of at least 30 minutes,” noted representatives from Job Impulse.
Up to 30 thousand zloty fine
Employing minors in violation of regulations can lead to fines ranging from PLN 1,000 to PLN 30,000. Job Impulse experts also remind that employers who have established a labor contract with a minor for vocational training and possess the necessary qualifications may apply for reimbursement of part of the educational costs.
