Just before their summer vacation begins, many young people are looking for work. Some will even continue to work after the vacation is over and they return to school. So what are the rights of working teenagers?

From what age is it permissible to employ teenagers?

During the summer holidays, it is permitted to employ teenagers who have turned 14. Up to the age of 15, teenagers may only be employed in light work that will not harm their health and development.

During the school year, it is permitted to employ teenagers who have turned 15 and the Compulsory Education Law does not apply to them.

Do teenagers need to undergo medical examinations before starting work?

Yes. Before starting work, teenagers must be examined and have a medical certificate confirming the examination. They must be re-examined every year.

Are teenagers entitled to receive notice to the employee about the terms of employment?

Yes. You must provide a written notice within 7 days of the start of work detailing the youth's working conditions.

What is the minimum wage for teenagers?

The minimum wage for teenagers is calculated as a percentage of the minimum wage for adults:

Youth, of any age, who work to acquire a professional qualification through guided practical work and study in vocational classes approved under the Apprenticeship Law, will be paid 60% of the minimum wage for an adult – 17.37 NIS per hour/3,000 NIS per month (up to 40 hours per week).

How many hours are teenagers allowed to work?

Teenagers up to the age of 16 are allowed to work a maximum of 8 hours a day and no more than 40 hours a week.

Youth over the age of 16 who work in places where a workday of 9 hours or more is customary and the employer has a collective agreement that approves this, may be employed for up to 9 hours a day and no more than 40 hours a week.

It is important to note that you must keep a record of working hours.

Does a training period entitle you to a salary?

Yes! Working teenagers, as well as adult workers, are entitled to payment from the first hour of work. Even if it is a trial/apprenticeship period.

Are teenagers entitled to breaks?

Teenagers who work 6 hours or more a day will be entitled to a 45-minute break, of which at least half an hour is continuous.

On Fridays and holiday eves, youth are entitled to a break of at least half an hour.

Is it permissible to employ teenagers at night?

It is prohibited to employ youth under the age of 16 or youth over the age of 16 to whom the compulsory education law applies between the hours of 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM unless with special permission from the Ministry of Labor.

It is prohibited to employ teenagers between the ages of 16 and 18 between the hours of 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM, except with special permission from the Ministry of Labor.

It is important to note that it is permissible to employ teenagers aged 16-18 during their school vacation in maternity work until 11:00 PM or until midnight, provided that the employer arranges for transportation home immediately after work.

If teenagers work until midnight, the employer must give them a 14-hour break between one workday and the next.

Are teenagers allowed to work overtime?

Definitely not!

However, if youth work overtime, they are entitled to overtime compensation.

Are teenagers allowed to work on Shabbat?

No. Teenagers are entitled to a weekly rest of 36 consecutive hours, which includes the Sabbath (for Jews).

How many days of vacation, if any, are teenagers entitled to?

If the employment relationship lasted for an entire year (January-December) and the youth worked over 200 days, they will be entitled to 18 days of vacation per year.

If the employment relationship did not last for a full year or the youth worked less than 200 days, they will be entitled to the proportional portion, with the basis for calculating the vacation being 18 days.

Teenagers who receive hourly/daily wages and have worked less than 75 consecutive days will be entitled to a vacation payment of 4% of their wages.

Are teenagers eligible for reimbursement of travel expenses?

Yes. Teenagers are entitled to reimbursement of travel expenses up to 22.60 NIS per day or a free monthly rate/youth card, whichever is cheaper.