With the holiday season coming up, Mississippi employers may be considering hiring minors for seasonal work. However, you must take special care in employing minor workers, as both federal and state laws impose special rules on hiring employees under 18. Mississippi employers who hire minors must comply with both the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the state’s child labor laws, which place restrictions on the hiring and employment of minors, prohibit minors from working in certain occupations, restrict the hours minors may work, and impose additional duties on employers. This Insight provides employers with answers to the seven most commonly asked questions to guide you through the process.

1. Who Are Considered “Minors” in Mississippi?

Mississippi’s child labor laws apply broadly to any individual under the age of 18. Generally, children under the age of 14 are prohibited from being employed in “any gainful occupation.” However, there are certain exceptions based on the type of work performed and the status of the minor. Mississippi enforces different rules for different age groups:

• 14 and 15 years of age; and
• 16 and 17 years of age.

It is important to note that both age groups are not allowed to work in an establishment which serves or sells alcohol for consumption.

2. What Types of Work Can Minors Perform?

Both the FLSA and Mississippi law prohibit minor employees from being employed in occupations that are considered dangerous and detrimental to their...

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