On July 1, 2021, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation into law which temporarily expanded summer working hours for minors ages 16 and 17. The measure is meant to help address a shortage of summer workers as COVID-19 metrics improve and shore businesses brace for a rebound from last summer’s pandemic-induced downturn.
Traditionally, during non-school weeks, minors ages 16 and 17 cannot work:
- More than 40 hours per week;
- More than eight hours per day;
- More than six consecutive days in a pay week; and
- Before 6 a.m. or after 11 p.m. (or after 3 a.m. in restaurants and seasonal amusement parks with written permission from a parent).
The expansion allows these minors to work up to 50 hours per week between the last day of a minor’s school year and Labor Day with written permission from a parent or legal guardian. This expansion expires on September 6, 2021.
For additional information on child labor laws, including required work permits, types of permitted work and rates of pay, visit New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
