Laws covering the employment of workers under the age of 18
There are various laws, rules and regulations that cover students in the workplace.
Some regulations may require a student's parent or guardian to sign on their behalf. Read on and learn more about the laws and regulations concerning students.
In NSW there is no minimum age a young person must reach before being allowed to work. However, if they wish to leave school before age fifteen, permission must be sought from the Deaprtment of Education and Training. Laws governing school leaving age and minimum working age vary from state to state.
New South Wales does have legislation which specifically protects workers under the age of 18 years. If a worker is under 18 years of age their employer will need to ensure they receive pay and conditions in their AWA or other agreement that are not less overall than the existing NSW award which covers the work they do.
The laws also protect young workers from being unfairly dismissed and ensures that they have access to the NSW Office of Industrial Relations (OIR) and the Industrial Relations Commission.
The legislation can be read at:
http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/fullhtml/inforce/act+96+2006+FIRST+0+N?#fn
A worker in NSW who thinks they are being treated unfairly, for example not receiving correct pay or breaks, or who has any other questions, can phone the NSW Office of Industrial Relations on 131 628. Enquiries are treated confidentially.
Students may be asked to sign other sorts of agreements (e.g. permission for a Working With Young Person check to be undertaken prior to employment, or other documents which verify that they have received important information (e.g. Occupational Health and Safety information). If aged under 18, they must have a parent or legal guardian sign.