In Belarus, over the first eight months of this year, about 69,000 teenagers aged 14–18 entered the labor market for the first time. This was reported by Sergei Katsko, head of the department for organizing the work of the state employment service and alternative service of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, at a press center of BELTA.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the number of crimes committed by teenagers this summer decreased by 13%. "In the military environment there is a saying: the less free time a soldier has, the fewer bad thoughts he has. In principle, this saying applies to many categories, and first of all to youth. Labor employment is also aimed at preventing unlawful behavior. According to the FSSZN, over the first eight months of this year, about 69,000 teenagers aged 14–18 entered the Belarusian labor market for the first time, meaning they signed their first employment contract, accordingly received wages and gained their first work experience. This figure is significant: compared with last year, it increased by 31%," Sergei Katsko said.

The department head expressed hope that the number of young people wanting to work will grow. "In recent years, this trend has been relevant. As for the labor, employment, and social protection authorities, our division assists young people both in employment with state financial support and at the employer's expense. In the latter case, we work with employers; the vacancies they offer are posted in a special section of the State Employment Service portal. Young people can view these vacancies openly, without even contacting our division, reach out to the employer, and get employed. With state financial support, we mainly employ minors," he informed.

Sergei Katsko reminded that the employment of minors is limited to a list of permitted jobs. In summer, teenagers aged 14–16 may work 4 hours and 36 minutes per day, while those aged 16–18 may work 7 hours. Their labor is paid at the same rate as that of adult workers in the same occupation for a full working day.

State support in organizing temporary youth employment – compensation to employers for part of the funds allocated for wage payment. It is provided by labor, employment and social protection agencies. The compensation covers wage expenses, but does not exceed the minimum wage amount, as well as the amount of contributions to the Social Protection Fund and “Belgosstrakh,” – explained a representative of the Ministry of Labor.

Over the summer, with the assistance of the employment service, 41 thousand young people found work, 36.5 thousand of them with state financial support. Since the beginning of the year, more than 55 thousand youths have been employed, which is 12% more than in the same period last year. Youth work in trade, catering, housing and communal services, agriculture and industry. As a rule, they perform unskilled work as auxiliary workers, green construction workers, etc.