Pub. 3 2021 Issue 3

N ow that Governor Sununu has lifted many of the COVID-19 restrictions and replaced them with Universal Best Practices, we thought this would be a good time to review the laws governing the employment of individuals under the age of 18 in New Hampshire. Which Laws Govern Youth Employment: The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) and state Youth Employment Law (RSA 276-A) govern youth employment in New Hampshire. Youth work rules are routinely enforced by both the New Hampshire and U.S. Department of Labor. Employers should ensure that any individuals responsible for summer hires are aware of both the state and federal rules pertaining to youth employment and that all supervisors are properly trained with respect to the scope of appropriate work for minors and scheduling issues. Please remember that employers must comply with both the federal and state laws governing Youth Employment and that these laws are not identical. This means that employers must comply with whichever Youth Law (federal or state) provides the greatest protection for the Youth employee. Summer Hiring and Youth Employment Laws in NewHampshire MARGARET “PEG” O’BRIEN, ESQ. MCLANE MIDDLETON, PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION D R I V E 16