The Further regulation of child labour (Nrk) is with effect from 18 November 2024 custom as part of a modernisation of rules around child labour.
Child labour
The Working Hours Act prohibits the performance of work by children up to 16 years of age. Certain types of work of a light nature may be performed by younger children (from 12 years of age) under certain conditions, provided the work does not interfere with their education.
The rules will be widened
Children aged 13 and 14 are allowed to work on a non-school day and in a holiday week until 20:00 (which was: 7pm). And these children are now also allowed to work on Sundays, but the Saturday must be free.
Young people under 15 were already allowed to work until 9pm on Sundays in a holiday week and subject to conditions. They are now also allowed to work on a non-school day until 20:00.
Hospitality
Children under 16 should not work in an area (including the terrace) where alcohol is consumed, as situations of aggressive, intimidating and violent behaviour are more likely to occur there. In addition, work pressure and physical strain are not desirable for these young children. The rules on working in the hospitality industry also apply to volunteering.
These children may soak in areas other than those where alcohol is served (e.g. in the kitchen), but there must be no contact with customers. Even as long as the catering establishment is closed and during periods when alcohol is not served, the young child may work there.
The consequence of including this ban in the Nrk is that it can be supervised by the Labour Inspectorate. A violation of the ban qualifies as prohibited child labour. For such a violation, the labour inspectorate can directly impose fines.