Legal framework:
The National Employment Agency (ANOFM) has recently reminded employers that they may benefit from a monthly financial incentive when hiring students or pupils during school holidays. This incentive is regulated by labor market stimulation laws and amounts to 50% of the Social Reference Indicator (ISR).
For 2025, ISR remains 660 RON, as per Emergency Ordinance no. 156/2024, which means employers can receive 330 RON/month for each student or pupil employed during holidays.
Eligibility Conditions:
To benefit from this incentive, employers must:
- Conclude an individual employment contract (CIM) for a fixed term, not exceeding the holiday period, full-time or part-time, or a temporary work contract with duration equal to or shorter than the holiday.
- Sign a convention with the local employment agency (AJOFM) within 30 calendar days of the student’s employment date.
- The incentive is granted for a maximum of 60 working days per calendar year for each student or pupil.
- Any difference between the incentive (330 RON/month) and the actual salary must be covered entirely by the employer.
Exclusions:
Employers cannot receive the incentive if:
- They hire students before the official start of holidays, as per the education calendar;
- They already received the incentive for the same student for 60 working days within the same calendar year.
Youth Employment Rules (15–18 years):
According to the Labor Code and Government Decision no. 600/2007:
- Youth aged 15–16 may work only with parental/legal guardian consent and under the condition that the job does not harm their health, education, or development.
- Work time limits:
- Maximum 6 hours/day, 30 hours/week;
- No overtime allowed;
- Night work (20:00–06:00) is prohibited;
- Minimum 14 hours of daily rest;
- Minimum 30-minute meal break after 4.5 hours of work;
- At least 3 extra paid vacation days;
- Work should ideally coincide with school holidays.
Other forms of work:
- Youth aged 15–18 may work as day laborers, provided tasks suit their abilities and do not impair their health or education.
- Those aged 16 or older may enter vocational training contracts if they lack a qualification or their qualification is insufficient for job retention.
Sanctions:
Hiring minors illegally or for forbidden work constitutes a criminal offence, punishable by:
- 3 months to 2 years’ imprisonment, or
- a criminal fine.