From what age can young people work in the hospitality industry?
Working in the hospitality industry can be a valuable experience for young people, but there are strict rules and regulations about the ages at which they can work and the tasks they are allowed to perform. In this article, we answer the main questions about age limits and working conditions according to the Working Hours Act (Arbeidstijdenwet, ATW) and the hospitality collective labor agreement (horeca-cao).
Minimum age and tasks
Young people can start working from the age of 13, but there are rules regarding the type of work, the times, and the number of hours they can work. The ATW distinguishes between children (under 16 years old) and young people (16- and 17-year-olds). For children, there are restrictions on working hours and tasks, while for young people, only the working hours are limited. Below is an overview of the rules per age group.
13 and 14 years old
13- and 14-year-olds are only allowed to work on non-school days and during holidays. They are not allowed to work on Sundays or school days. Their tasks must consist of 'non-industrial light assistance work', such as simple support tasks. Examples include helping in hospitality with cleaning or as an assistant cook. They are not allowed to work with dangerous substances, which includes many cleaning agents. The tasks and working environment must be safe and should not harm the child's health and development.
15 years old
15-year-olds are allowed to perform non-industrial light work. They can, for example, help with putting away dishes, polishing, and hand washing dishes, but cannot operate automated dishwashers. They can work slightly more hours per day than younger children and can also work on Sundays, but not both Saturday and Sunday in the same weekend. Parents or guardians must give permission for working on Sundays.
On school days, they can work a maximum of 2 hours and no more than 12 hours in school weeks. During holiday weeks, they can work up to 40 hours per week, but not before 7:00 AM or after 7:00 PM. During holidays, they can work until 9:00 PM.
Alcohol law
Young people under 16 years old are not allowed to work in areas where alcohol is served, except for 14- and 15-year-olds doing an internship as part of their education. From the age of 16, young people can work as serving staff in areas where alcohol is served, provided there is supervision by an adult.16 and 17 years old16- and 17-year-olds are allowed to work on Saturdays and Sundays, provided there is no school on the preceding Friday or the following Monday. They must have a rest period of at least 36 consecutive hours within a period of 7 days. They can work a maximum of 9 hours per day and 45 hours per week, and on average no more than 40 hours per week over a period of 4 weeks. Work is allowed until 11:00 PM.
Important rules and protection
In addition to the age-related rules, there are also general provisions that apply to young people in the hospitality industry:
Working hours act: This law regulates the maximum working hours and rest times for young people to ensure they have enough time for school, rest, and relaxation.
Education and work: Young people under 18 must attend compulsory education. Work should not jeopardize their school performance.
Safety and health: Employers must provide a safe and healthy working environment. This means that young people should not be exposed to dangerous substances, machines, or situations.
Breaks and rest times:
Young people aged 13 to 15 must have a break of at least 30 minutes after 2 hours of work.
Young people aged 16 and 17 are entitled to a break of at least 30 minutes after 4.5 hours of work.