The days of widespread child labor in the United States are long past, but some protections remain necessary for those younger than 18 who work in New Jersey. Understanding these requirements is important for teenagers, parents and employers alike.
Once a child has received an offer of employment, he or she should obtain a Form A300 employment certificate. These are available from the New Jersey Department of Education, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development or from the child’s school district. The employer must complete a portion of the form and the child must obtain work clearance from a physician. The child then submits the form, the doctor’s note and proof of age to the school district, which then issues an employment certificate.
The type of work a child may accept depends on his or her age:
Minors also may not work more than 40 hours per week. While minors are generally entitled to be paid at least the minimum wage, there are exceptions for some types of work. If your child has been treated or paid unfairly, a New Jersey employment law attorney may be able to help.