Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1996, published 85th ILC session (1997)

Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) - Sweden (Ratification: 1990)

The Committee notes that the Government has supplied ample information in reply to its previous general observation, including information on social insurance, school system and statistical data on youth. It requests the Government to continue to supply such information to the extent that it would help the assessment of the application of the Convention in practice.

Domestic work

Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes with satisfaction that as a result of the amendment to the Work Environment Act (1977:1160) by the Act of 30 November 1995 (SFS 1995:1239), work done by employees under the age of 18 in the employer's household is covered, since 1 January 1996, by the Work Environment Act, which fixes among other things the minimum age for admission to employment. It notes that as a consequence the exclusion of domestic work in the employer's household from the application of the Convention, which the Government notified in its first report in accordance with Article 4(2) of the Convention, is no longer necessary.

Participation in artistic performances

The Committee also notes with satisfaction the amendment to the Ordinance of the National Board of Occupational Safety and Health on Minors at Work (AFS 1996:1), section 10, point 3. Unlike the previous general exclusion of artist performance and similar work as long as it is not hazardous and does not entail excessive strain, the employment of a child under the age of 13 years is now permitted only by an individual permission from the Labour Inspectorate, as required by Article 8(1) of the Convention, and on condition that the work is not hazardous and does not entail excessive physical and psychological strain on the child. It takes due note of the Government's general indication regarding consultation of the employers' and workers' organizations to the effect that, although the labour market parties are (since October 1992) no longer included in the Directorate of the National Board of Occupational Safety and Health, the regular practice is to involve them in the drafting of Ordinances and to have consultative meetings with them in finalizing the draft.