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Holiday work or student work is work that is done for payment by pupils or students during their school holidays or academic year.
Often this involves simple work. Sometimes it is just earning some extra pocket money; others use it for additional fund while studying. For example, in Belgium, as a Dutch speaker, people choose a holiday job in Wallonia to improve their language skills, or as an economics student, they try to get a holiday job in the banking sector to gain experience.
In Belgium, vacation work is prohibited for those under 15. Since 2003, student workers also have a legal status that offers them minimal social protection. For example, a special student contract must be drawn up. [1]
As of 1 January 2012, the regulations on student employment changed as a result of the law of 28 July 2011 and the Royal Decree of 12 September 2011. [2]
The following changes came into effect from then on:
In the Netherlands, the trade union has a special department for holiday workers. In the Netherlands, holiday work is allowed from the age of 14, but at a young(er) age, one has special rights and one is not allowed to do dangerous work.
In Austria, there are three forms of summer employment. Summer interns complete a mandatory internship, which is stipulated in the curriculum or study regulations to complement their training. The holiday worker works during the holiday period purely to earn income, without further educational background. The volunteer works voluntarily and without pay in a company in preparation for future professional activity. [4]