If your complaint is not resolved through the procedures of the Commission on Human Rights, you have the right to appeal to the Human Rights Tribunal. You can do this directly or by requesting representation with the Office of Human Rights Procedures. If they think you have a real case, they pay for your legal representation. Many stores are now looking for casual Christmas employees and I want to apply, but they all say « Must meet or exceed minimum working age ». A quick Google search told me that New Zealand does not have a minimum working age, although there are laws that protect people over the age of 16 in terms of working hours and pay. So what is the minimum working age? Can I apply at the age of 15? There are some things you know and should be prepared for before you start working. Knowing this information will ensure that you are protected and have fewer problems when you start working. Find out if you can participate in a working holiday program and what you need to do before applying. If the Office of Human Rights Procedures decides not to represent you, you can still take your case to the Human Rights Tribunal, but you will have to pay your own legal fees. Your employer can only deduct (withdraw) money from your salary if it is legal. Eligible deductions include income tax, VAC tax and KiwiSaver.
New Zealand employers support working parents. New Zealand does not have a legal minimum working age, but there are restrictions on the employment of young people that vary with age. You have legal rights as an employee, even if you do not have a written employment contract – a verbal agreement between you and your employer is always legal. Treating someone worse than others because of their race, gender or other reasons is discrimination. Discrimination is illegal in New Zealand. You can start working at any age. There is no minimum age to start working, but there are some restrictions on when, what and how you work if you are a certain age. These are designed to ensure your safety and ensure that you are able to fully participate in school during school age. Before you start working At what age can I start working? As a young person, can I work in any profession I want? Do I have to inform employers of my criminal convictions? Do I need an employment contract? What should I include in my employment contract? How much will I be paid as an employee? What is the minimum wage? When will I be considered an « entry-level worker »? When will I be considered an intern? Does my employment contract have to be in writing? What are my rights if I don`t have a written agreement? Where can I get help finding a job? So, a 15-year-old can apply for most jobs with these working time conditions, but the company may simply refuse to hire you based on your age or may offer you two-tenths of the squats for payment.
New Zealand has no mandatory retirement age and more than 20% of those over 65 are still working. Persons under the age of 16 may face legal discrimination on the basis of age (and age only) (for example, a company may refuse to hire because of their age). It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against you based on your age, whether in the workplace or when you apply for a job. You cannot extend a working holiday visa, but if you have done seasonal work in the fruit and vegetable or wine industry for at least 3 months, you can apply for an additional 3 months. People under the age of 16 must legally go to school and are not allowed to work after 10 p.m. or before 6 a.m. Work should not interfere with school. Sexual harassment, including any type of offensive or unwanted sexual behavior, is also illegal here. Are you planning to take a holiday abroad? Before booking anything, check that your passport is up to date and what travel your visa type allows. A person under the age of 14 cannot work as a babysitter, au pair or nanny without adult supervision, as it is a criminal offence to leave a child under the age of 14 unattended. Your teen may see their job as a temporary way to fund their lifestyle.
This is especially true if it`s a part-time job or if it`s not a job that doesn`t affect their career or future goals. However, all jobs are important to developing a work ethic, and the time the young person spends with an employer will help them understand the expectations of each workplace. People as young as 16 or 17 can sign settlement agreements to resolve a dispute with an employer. These agreements remain final and binding. All employees have the right to be represented when dealing with their employer and they can choose who they want to represent. Parents can be with their child when discussing employment issues with their employer. An employment contract must contain the following conditions: Many large companies offer collective agreements negotiated by a union. If you are not unionized, you can still use the collective agreement as the basis for your terms and conditions of employment. If you are applying for a job and are asked if you have a criminal record, you do not need to tell your employer of minor offence convictions removed by the Clean Slate Act, or if your case has been decided in juvenile court without an adult criminal record. All other criminal records must be made available to your employer. Employees under the age of 18 are also not allowed to work in areas where a slot machine license has been obtained. For employees under the age of 20, they cannot work in the parts of a casino where gambling takes place, and they cannot perform gambling-related tasks.
I am also 15 years old, I prefer odd jobs. Things like babysitting and paper itineraries. Generally paid less, but much easier to find. My boyfriend is also 15 and he works on Countdown, so I think you should be good there. My other friend, also 15, picks up balls at a golf club. No idea how much one of them will be paid, but just a few ideas If you`ve had a disagreement with your employer and feel you haven`t been treated fairly, you can find out where you can get help on our Workplace Help page. Click here to access our employment contract templates. You should read your agreement before signing it. If there`s something you`re not sure about, you can remove it to think about it or ask someone for advice. If you want to make changes to the agreement, talk to your employer before signing it.
If you think your employer is taking advantage of you (exploiting you) or not respecting your employment rights, ask for help. All employees must have a signed written employment contract with their employer. Even if you have already accepted a verbal offer for a job, you must sign a written agreement before you start working. If you are 16 years of age or older, you are entitled to at least the adult minimum wage of $21.20 per hour before tax, unless: If you are under 16, there is no minimum wage guarantee and you receive what has been agreed between you and your employer. There is no minimum wage for entrepreneurs. Your employer cannot deduct any other amount from your salary without your consent. If Employment New Zealand believes that your problem is a human rights issue or a health and disability issue, it will refer you to the Human Rights Commission or the Health and Disability Commissioner. Many new parents are entitled to paid parental leave of up to 22 weeks. The government plans to extend this period to 26 weeks on July 1, 2020.
In addition to annual leave, there are 11 statutory holidays. If you qualify for a job and are over 16, an employer cannot discriminate against you based on your age. This applies to all aspects of the job, including: If you want to go under the table, offer yourself to your family members as a cleaner/gardener/babysitter/odd job/car washer, etc. Salaries are usually advertised « before taxes ». This is something you should keep in mind when looking for a job, as the salary you actually earn at home is lower. You have the right to join a union. Your employer should not influence your decision. You can find more information about trade unions on our Workplace Support page. Your employer must treat you fairly, pay you at least the minimum wage set by the government, and respect other labour law obligations. You also need to make sure your workplace is safe.
You must do your job competently and follow occupational health and safety rules. You must also comply with the conditions of your visa. Here are some helpful tips for employers hiring young workers: As a young person, there are jobs you are not allowed to do. Some of the main limitations are: Trade Me (external link) provides a salary guide based on their job postings. The same fair bargaining rules for employment contracts apply to both young people and adults. If you think someone is discriminating against or sexually harassing you in the workplace, you can file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission. For more information, please visit our Your Rights page. There are many ways to learn skills when you enter the workforce.
Young workers need to find the right balance between work and school obligations. Employers hiring students must ensure that the employment does not interfere with school attendance. This means that employees under the age of 16 cannot work during school hours, before 6 a.m. or after 10 p.m. on school nights. There are no restrictions on the number of hours an employee under the age of 16 can work on weekends or during school holidays. You are also entitled to certain paid holidays for other reasons, such as when you are sick. Minimum and paid leave| Employment New Zealand As a health and safety requirement, you also have a duty to ensure that school-age students do not do night work (between 10pm and 6am) when reasonably possible.