The Labour Inspectorate’s Working Life Information System TEIS now has a module for minors, which allows parents to see information about their child’s working conditions. Employers are required to submit additional information on minors aged 7–12 years working under an employment contract into TEIS (iseteenindus.ti.ee).
When employing a minor, it is necessary to seek the consent of their legal representative (generally a parent). The employment of a minor aged 7–12 years must be registered in the employment register 10 working days before they commence work. If they work under an employment contract, the employer must submit additional data in TEIS, after which the Labour Inspectorate verifies within 10 working days that the work is not prohibited and that the minor’s working conditions comply with the requirements established by law. In the case of minors aged 13–17 years, the employment register entry must be made no later than on their first working day, and submitting additional data is not required.
When employing a minor aged 7–12 years under an employment contract, employers must provide the following in the self-service:
- the consent of the legal representative of the minor;
- the working conditions of the minor, including their working time and duties;
- information about the minor’s compulsory school attendance.
In addition, the employer has to provide their contact person’s details so the labour inspector can contact them, if necessary.
Parents whose minor child starts working can now see information about their child’s working conditions in TEIS and give or withdraw their consent to the employment of their minor child. If the child is aged 7–12 years, parents can see the data provided by the employer upon making the entry in the employment register, as well as additional data added to TEIS by the employer. If the child is aged 13–17, parents can only see the data added to the employment register by the employer upon making the entry. The new module allows parents to be more involved in the employment process and provides an overview of which work the child is going to do and whether it is feasible and safe for them.
Minors are subject to stricter working time restrictions than adults. The working time of minors depends on their age and compulsory school attendance. In addition, minors subject to compulsory schooling cannot work overtime or work more than the working time prescribed to them.
The Labour Inspectorate also sends informative emails both to employers and parents, which include information related to the employment of minors with the necessary references.
More information about the working conditions of minors is available through the Working Life Portal.
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