The Riigikogu has lifted labor limits on 15- to 17-year-olds, reversing a recent change to allow them to work up to 40 hours a week after finishing basic school.
The restriction was introduced in September when Estonia extended compulsory education to age 18, limiting teens to two to three hours of work a day alongside school. The new amendments to the Employment Contracts Act restore the earlier rules.
“After basic school, 15- to 17-year-olds, if they feel capable, may work up to 40 hours a week either before or after school,” said Minister of the Economy and Industry Erkki Keldo (Reform).
The labor ban had partly resulted from a workplace accident that prompted sudden restrictions for all minor workers.
Education and Research Minister and Eesti 200 chair Kristina Kallas, however, said allowing teens to work is a reasonable move.
Read more: ERR.EE
