Know your rights
The employment of children is prohibited. The minimum age of admission to employment may not be lower than the minimum school-leaving age, without prejudice to such rules as may be more favourable to young people and except for limited derogations.
Young people admitted to work must have working conditions appropriate to their age and be protected against economic exploitation and any work likely to harm their safety, health or physical, mental, moral or social development or to interfere with their education.
This right is enshrined in article 32 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
What to do if your rights have been breached
The authorities of EU countries are bound to comply with the Charter of fundamental rights only when implementing EU law. Fundamental rights are protected by your country's constitution.
Addressing your complaint to the relevant national authority, government, national courts or a specialised human rights body.
Related rights
Chapter 4 of the EU Charter of fundamental rights is on solidarity. This chapter also contains the following rights
- workers' right to information and consultation within the undertaking
- right of collective bargaining and action
- right of access to placement services
- protection in the event of unjustified dismissal
- fair and just working conditions
- prohibition of child labour and protection of young people at work
- family and professional life
- social security and social assistance
- health care
- access to services of general economic interest
- environmental protection
- consumer protection