Employment Standards Act amended to raise general working age from 12 to 16, define jobs appropriate for youth under 16 in B.C.

Under new amendments to the Employment Standards Act, youth aged 14 and 15 will be permitted to do jobs defined as “light work,” with permission from a parent or guardian. Examples of light work include retail work such as stocking shelves, packaging orders, laying out displays, sales and cashier jobs, as well as food service work such as busing tables, preparing food, dishwashing and serving food and non-alcoholic drinks, and administrative and secretarial work, among others.

These changes bring B.C. in line with other Canadian jurisdictions and will come into effect October 21, 2021. Government is also expected to announce regulatory changes later this year on the definition of “hazardous work” for 16-18 year olds, and RCC will keep members apprised of these developments.