The summer holidays are traditionally the time of year when life slows down a bit. School is over and everyone takes advantage of the warm season to take a break and unwind.
However, many young people also use the long holidays to take on a summer job. Some of them start looking for a job early in the year to secure work for the holiday period. The most popular positions are often quickly filled and, in many cases, the demand for open positions far exceeds the supply.
Employers and companies are happy to rely on pupils and students. They are a welcome support to replace employees on vacation or to cover seasonal needs.
But summer work and holiday jobs also offer many benefits for young people themselves. During this time, they gain experience that will be useful to them later on: punctuality, diligence, and commitment, as well as team spirit, perseverance, and a sense of responsibility are important qualities for their future professional life.
At the same time, young people can find out what they enjoy and which direction they might want to pursue later.
A holiday job also brings financial independence, allowing them to treat themselves to something without relying on their parents. Some young people use this income to pay for a holiday, their driving licence, their first car, or to save up for their studies. For many, it represents an important step towards independence.
Working hours and conditions for young people are clearly regulated by law. They should be able to work without risking their mental or physical health. Over the years, however, the demand to work longer has also increased. According to recent information, more than 1,000 young people reached the maximum of 346 working hours last year. How many worked beyond this, for example under a fixed-term contract, is unknown.
The DP therefore asks whether the legal framework still meets the expectations of our young generation. For this, we absolutely need an analysis of the situation that closely examines the reality and the needs on the ground. It is essential that we continue to have labour laws for young people in the future that are in line with their needs and their health.
