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PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG WORKERS

Under the Law of 28 October 1969 concerning the protection of children and young workers, the employment of children (minors up to the age of 15) is prohibited other than in the context of their education or the family household, and their participation in public performances or events is permissible only where it serves artistic, scientific or educational interests. Adolescents between this age and the age of 18 are classed as young workers, and their employment is subject to special protective provisions as regards working hours (a maximum of 40 hours a week and 8 hours a day), overtime and work on Sundays and public holidays (prohibited other than in cases of force majeure or essential safety requirements) and night work (prohibition on work between 2000 and 0600 hrs, or between 2200 and 0600 hrs in the context of continuous shifts and in the hotel and catering industry). In addition, young workers must not be employed on work which is disproportionately stressful to their physical or mental health, including piecework or conveyor-belt work where pay is governed by the speed of work.

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