Employment of minors

The work of minors is strictly regulated because their level of maturity is different from that of adults and they have more difficulty in assessing risks and consequences. It is therefore particularly important that you, as an employer, carry out a risk assessment and decide what tasks the minor should perform. You should also ensure that there are clear instructions and safety procedures.

The Swedish Work Environment Authority has issued rules on working hours and work tasks. The rules in their entirety can be found in their regulations on the working environment of minors (see chapter 8 in Arbetsmiljöverkets föreskrifter och allmänna råd [AFS 2023:2] om planering och organisering av arbetsmiljöarbete – grundläggande skyldigheter för dig med arbetsgivaransvar)

Regulations on the working environment of minors (AFS 2023:2) (in Swedish)

Introduction

As an employer, you must ensure that the minor receives an introduction that includes information on the work tasks and risks. You must make sure that they have understood the information. The introduction process is particularly important for minors who have no previous work or professional experience.

Information to safety officers and supervisors

You must also inform any safety officer of the tasks the minor will have and appoint a supervisor. The supervisor must be at least 18 years of age and should have at least one year's experience in the tasks concerned and knowledge of risks and protection.

What are minors allowed to work with?

Minors are not allowed to work on tasks involving specific risks. For example, a person under the age of 18 must never work with asbestos, diving, guard work or transporting money and valuables outside the workplace. Minors are also prohibited from carrying out hazardous tasks alone. Work tasks prohibited for minors are listed in Appendix 2 to AFS 2023:2.

Regulations on the working environment of minors (AFS 2023:2) (in Swedish)

Working hours

There are special rules for minors' working hours, daily rest and weekly rest. The working hours must not hinder young people's schooling or the students' ability to complete their education.

Younger children

As a rule, anyone under the age of 13 is not allowed to work, but there are exceptions. You may need to seek permission from the Swedish Work Environment Authority if you employ children under 13 in one of the various exceptional cases.

Application for authorisation for a child to work at Arbetsmiljöverket

Internship

The responsibility for a pupil on a work experience internship lies with both the internship site and the school.