Employers across various industries continue to adjust to a disrupted workforce in the wake of the pandemic and the resulting labor shortage, which has led many to consider expanding their recruitment efforts to include minors — particularly in the service industries. This new strategy, however, does not come without new risks: Both federal and state laws impose strict rules on employing minors and even stricter penalties for violating those laws. Like many states, Kentucky has more restrictions than federal law when it comes to employing minors, including additional restraints on the hours minors can work and duties they can be assigned. This Insight provides Kentucky employers with answers to the eight most common questions to guide you through the process of hiring minors this holiday season.
1. Who is Considered a ‘Minor’ in Kentucky?
Kentucky’s Department of Workplace Standards defines a “minor” as a person between the ages of 14 and 18, unless the person has a high school diploma or the required number of credits to graduate from high school. This definition does not, however, identify all ages permitted to work in the Commonwealth.
For instance, Kentuckians under the age of 14 may work in connection with an employment program sponsored and supervised by the child’s school or school district, so long as the program has been approved by Kentucky’s Department of Education and is subject to the regulations issued by the Department of Workplace Standards.
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