Youth summer jobs Finland are under intense scrutiny after labour inspectors discovered multiple violations across the country. Inspectors found young workers being misclassified as entrepreneurs despite clear employment relationships, denying them basic labour rights.
Authorities reported 23 young people, mostly in cafés and restaurants, were treated as “light entrepreneurs” even though they legally qualified as employees. These workers followed fixed schedules, carried out tasks under employer direction, and had no independent control, all conditions that meet the legal definition of an employment relationship.
“This kind of arrangement denies young people their basic rights,” said Tiina Häyrinen, labour inspector at the Eastern Finland Regional State Administrative Agency. “Workers in employment relationships are entitled to paid sick leave, holiday compensation, access to occupational health care, and insurance coverage for work-related injuries.”
Inspectors examined around 200 summer job sites in sectors such as cafés, kiosks, fast food outlets, retail stores, and berry stands. The findings showed serious non-compliance with employment regulations.
Nearly one in three employers failed to provide proper employment contracts. Some had no written agreements at all, while others omitted crucial details like work location or applicable collective agreements. Although oral contracts are legally valid, written documentation must be given to all workers.
Preventive occupational health care was missing at one in four workplaces. This care is required by law, even for short-term summer jobs.
“Occupational health services must be in place even if the workplace operates only during the summer,” Häyrinen said. “Employees need to know what services are available and how to access them if illness or injury occurs.”
Inspectors also found pay-related violations at about ten workplaces. These included unpaid Sunday supplements and wages below the minimum standards outlined in collective agreements, especially where work experience had not been properly considered.
“Young workers are entitled to the correct pay under collective agreements,” Häyrinen said.
The inspection results highlight the need for stronger supervision and employer education. Young seasonal workers are often inexperienced and vulnerable to exploitation, making consistent enforcement of labour laws essential. Authorities urge employers to comply fully with Finnish labour laws to protect youth workers’ rights.
