This factsheet is an extract from the publication Know Your Rights: The Rights of Children and Young People published by the Children’s Rights Alliance. It is reproduced here with their kind permission. Know Your Rights is a public information project designed to inform everyone, in plain language, of the rights and entitlements children have in Ireland and where to go when they are not respected.
When can I start working in Ireland?
In Ireland you can work from the age of 14 part-time and 16 full-time. Read our article on what age you can start working in Ireland to learn more.
How many hours a week can I work from the age of 16?
If you are 16 or 17, you can work up to 40 hours a week, but you cannot work more than eight hours each day. Read our article on what age you can start working in Ireland to learn more.
Can I work in the evenings or at night when I am 16 ?
Young people are not entitled to equal pay with adults for the work they do. Read our article on what age you can start working in Ireland to learn more.
Do I have a right to equal pay under 18?
If you are 16 or 17, you can only work between 6am and 10pm. If you work in a pub or other licensed premises, you can work until 11pm if the next day is not a school day. Read our article on what age you can start working in Ireland to learn more.
Does my employer have any responsibilities to me as a young person in work?
Under law, your employer must give you a summary of your rights under the law, give you details of your terms of employment within one month of you starting the job and give you a payslip. Read our article on what age you can start working in Ireland to learn more.
Can I claim unemployment payments under the age of 18?
You can start paying social insurance from the age of 16, but you cannot claim unemployment payments until you are 18 years of age. Read our article on what age you can start working in Ireland to learn more.
Can I complain if I feel that my employer is not treating me fairly or discriminating against me?
You can complain confidentially to the Workplace Relations Customer Services. Read our article on what age you can start working in Ireland to learn more.
What age can I volunteer?
There is no specific age for when you can volunteer from in Ireland, it will just depend on the organisation. Read our article on what age you can start working in Ireland to learn more.
