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Labour inspectors in Finland found multiple violations in youth summer jobs this year, including cases where young workers were falsely treated as entrepreneurs despite clear employment relationships.
Authorities say 23 young people, most working in cafés and restaurants, were classified as “light entrepreneurs” when they met the legal definition of employees.
In such cases, the workers carried out tasks under the employer’s direction, with fixed schedules and no independent control, conditions that meet the legal standard for employment.
“This kind of arrangement denies young people their basic rights,” said Tiina Häyrinen, labour inspector at the Eastern Finland Regional State Administrative Agency. “If someone is in an employment relationship, they are entitled to paid sick leave, holiday compensation, access to occupational health care, and insurance coverage for work-related injuries.”
Inspectors reviewed around 200 summer job sites across the country, focusing on sectors such as cafés, kiosks, fast food outlets, retail stores, and berry stands. The findings show significant non-compliance with basic labour protections.
According to the labour watchdog, preventive occupational health care was missing from one in four workplaces. This care is legally required, even for short-term jobs.
“Occupational health services must be in place even if the workplace operates only during the summer,” Häyrinen said. “Employees must also be informed about what services are available and how to access them in the event of illness or injury.”
The review also found that nearly one in three employers had failed to provide proper employment contracts. In some cases, there was no written agreement at all. Others lacked key details such as the work location or applicable collective agreement.
Inspectors emphasised that while oral contracts are legally valid, written documentation of employment terms must still be given to the worker.
Violations were not limited to paperwork. Inspectors uncovered pay-related issues at about ten workplaces. These included unpaid Sunday supplements and wages below the minimum standard set by collective agreements, particularly where work experience had not been properly considered.
“Young workers are also entitled to the correct pay under collective agreements,” Häyrinen said.
The results of the inspection campaign raise concerns about the treatment of young workers during seasonal employment periods. Authorities say more supervision and employer education are needed to ensure that employment laws are followed consistently, especially where the workforce is inexperienced and vulnerable to exploitation.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
