Want to work this summer? Know your rights!

Planning to get a summer job and earn some pocket money? That’s an awesome step toward independence. But before you start working – make sure you know your rights and how to be treated fairly and legally.

Think that if you’re selling ice cream, mowing lawns or helping in a warehouse, you don’t really need a contract? Actually, you do! Any kind of job – even temporary or a short gig – should follow the rules. That’s how you avoid problems and know where to turn if something goes wrong.

📌 Before you start working, remember:

🛑 There’s no such thing as an unpaid trial day

If someone says, “Come work for a day and let’s see how it goes,” remember – that’s already work. Even if you only work for a few hours, you must be paid for it.
Example: If you’re helping in a café by setting up chairs and cleaning tables, that’s not “just testing” – it’s work.

📄 You need a written contract

A verbal agreement doesn’t protect you if something goes wrong. A written work contract shows exactly what you agreed on – your wage, working hours and duties.
Example: Even if you’re doing yard work for a couple of weeks or helping a friend’s parents in their family business, a contract is still important. It helps if there’s a disagreement later on.

💳 Your salary should be paid to your bank account

If your employer wants to pay only in cash and avoids putting anything in writing, it may mean they’re not paying taxes or following the law. In the end, you’re the one who loses – for example, you won’t get sick pay or be able to show work experience later.

⚠️ Also know that no one has the right to:

• Force you to work overtime without agreement

• Withhold your pay

• Threaten or intimidate you when you ask about your rights

Working can be a great experience – but it must be safe, fair and legal. If something doesn’t feel right – ask for help!

📬 Need advice?

✅ The Labour Inspectorate’s lawyers can help – email them at [email protected] (only in Estonian). You can even send them your work contract, and they’ll check if everything is legal and fair.
✅ You can always contact lasteabi (Estonian Child Helpline) – via chat or by calling 116111. We’ll listen and help you out!

📖 Want to read more?

1. Minors and Employment (eesti.ee)

2. Labour Inspectorate Advisory Service (ti.ee) (Available only in Estonian)

3. Hiring a Minor (tooelu.ee)

4. Ministry looking to ease restrictions on young employees handling alcohol | News | ERR