Young workers are a valuable part of the workforce. They want to learn and gain experience, yet they often need that first break to start. Hence, employers have a vital role in helping to shape the workforce of the future. This article will provide tips to keep in mind when employing young workers.
As an employer, understand your essential employment obligations with this free LegalVision factsheet.
Who Can I Employ?
You must be mindful of the age restrictions in your state or territory. There are restrictions on the type of work you can get young people to do and when they are required to work. For example, in New South Wales, there is no set age when workers can start casual or part-time work. However, a worker must be 14 and 9 months old to complete door-to-door sales work.
On the other hand, employees in Queensland must be 13 years of age to work. However, workers as young as 11 can work where they deliver newspapers or advertising material between 6.00 am and 6.00 pm.
What Do I Need to Tell My Young Workers?
Young people often do not know that specific laws apply to them and that they have rights in the workplace. Therefore, to ensure compliance with your legal responsibilities as an employer, it is a good idea to explain things to your employees so that they clearly understand what is required of them.
Namely, your workers need to know what work you expect them to do and your expectations regarding their performance. Be patient and considerate when explaining how to do things, as young workers need encouragement and praise.
You should also inform your employees of their entitlements to:
- annual and sick leave;
- a minimum wage;
- employment policies on dismissal and resignation; and
- what they should do if they are unable to work.
You will also need to provide your employees with a copy of the Fair Work Information Statement.
Additionally, young people may not be well-versed in workplace health and safety rules. Consequently, they have a higher chance of injuring themselves due to a lack of experience and knowledge. Therefore, you must take the time to teach your employees about workplace safety and how to prevent injury to themselves and others.
Continue reading this article below the formTraining and Mentoring
Implementing an appropriate training and mentoring system is one of the best things an employer can do to help a young person get started on the right foot. In addition, employees will benefit significantly from:
- formal training, including taking courses, training days and learning resources; and
- on-the-job training such as demonstrations and observations.
Additionally, creating a mentoring system can ensure your young workers feel supported. A mentoring system requires invested people in your business who are committed to making such a program successful. Young people will feel they have someone to look after them and help with any issues. In addition, they will feel that going to this person is not as intimidating as going to the boss.
Pay Rates for Young Workers
Most awards specify minimum wage for workers under 21 years of age. Usually, this pay rate is a percentage of the pay rate of an equivalent adult. However, where there are no junior pay rates in a relevant award or registered agreement, you should pay a young worker the adult wage rate.
Traineeships
It might be the case that you want to employ a young worker as a trainee or apprentice. In that case, you must register a formal Training Agreement for them with Fair Work Australia. You will also need to consider the relevant pay for young workers employed as trainees or apprentices, as they may have an exceptional pay rate under a relevant award or registered agreement.
Key Takeaways
Employers have a vital role in helping to shape the workforce of the future, which all starts with employing young workers. Before hiring young workers, you should carefully consider:
- who you can employ, including at what age and for what types of work;
- what you need to tell your young workers;
- the training and mentorship you will offer; and
- junior pay rates.
If you need assistance understanding your obligations towards your young employees, our experienced employment lawyers can assist as part of our LegalVision membership. You will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents for a low monthly fee. Call us today on 1300 544 755 or visit our membership page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can employ young workers. However, you must be mindful of your state or territory’s age restrictions. There are also restrictions on the type of work you can get young people to do and when they are required to work. For example, New South Wales has no set age when workers can start casual or part-time work. However, a worker must be 14 and 9 months old to do door-to-door sales work.
Before hiring young workers, you should carefully consider who you can employ, including at what age and for what types of work you can employ them. You should also consider what information you will give your young workers when they start working with you, such as an employee handbook. Further, knowing what type of mentorship and training you will offer young employees is essential before hiring young workers.
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