Youth Employment over Summer Vacation

Israeli teenagers are on summer vacation. Many of them will seek employment until the start of the school year. The Youth Labor Law stipulates clear provisions on the do’s and don’ts of employing teenagers.

From what age can I employ teenagers?

Employers cannot employ teenagers younger than 14 over summer vacation. A teenager who has turned 14 but is not yet 15 may only perform light tasks that will not compromise their health and development. Note that from the start of the school year, employers may not employ teenagers at this age.

Do I need a special permit to employ teenagers?

An employer must keep a photocopy of the teenager’s or their parents’ identity cards at the workplace, with a doctor’s note from a GP, as a condition for employing teenagers.

Can teenagers work overtime?

No. Making teenagers work overtime is prohibited.

Teenagers can work for eight hours a day at most and no more than 40 hours a week. Teenagers age 16 and older can work for up to nine hours a day, as long as the workweek does not exceed 40 weekly hours. After six hours of work, the teenage employee must take a 45-minute break to rest, including at least 30 uninterrupted minutes.

Can teenagers work on Saturdays?

No. Making teenagers work on their weekly rest day is prohibited. The prohibition is absolute, and a permit cannot be granted to employ teenagers on their weekly rest day. The weekly rest day lasts 36 hours, from the start of the Jewish Sabbath until after it ends.

What about a trial period?

Trial periods or training periods are work periods for all intents and purposes, and teenagers must receive wages and benefits for them, according to their relative share. The same applies to training for summer camp.

The law stipulates other provisions, such as provisions on night work, recording work hours, minimum wage for teenage employees, payment for traveling to work, and other provisions intended to ensure the working teenagers’ rights.

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We are at your disposal for any question or inquiry on Israel employment law and other topics. Have a great summer!

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