Sunshine contracts are on the rise among young people

Young people are promised full-time jobs, but are forced to go home halfway through – because of rain.
The heavy rain clouds have caused more calls about “sunshine agreements” to flow into LO’s hotline.
– After only four hours of work, young ice cream workers are sent home when the rain comes, says Elsa Alm, youth secretary at LO.

The helpline at LO is for young people who have just stepped out into working life – with around 2,000 incoming calls every summer.

– There are young people who sell strawberries along the side of the road and have neither the opportunity to go to the toilet nor take breaks, says Elsa Alm, youth secretary at LO.

So far this year, the talks have been about long working days and missed breaks. Elsa Alm sees an increase in “sunshine deals”, when the storm has moved in over the country.

– After only four hours of work, young ice cream workers are sent home when the rain comes. If you have been promised a full-time job, you must also get paid for it.

Forgets his rights

The summer job is many young people’s first contact with working life – and also with the sometimes tough working conditions.

– Many young people have insecure forms of employment. They are grateful that they have got a job but forget their rights and obligations, says Elsa Alm.

Over half of all 16 to 24-year-olds today have a temporary job. LO therefore conducts checks, both advertised and unannounced, to both inform and check how the young people are doing.

– It is very important that young people feel secure in their employment and dare to speak up if there is something, says Elsa Alm.

t4-general