In the summer, many young people are looking for work, and for some of them this will be the first job in their lives. What do you need to know so that your first experience does not turn out to be negative, and how to recognize the signs of danger in relation to a potential employer? “There are many excellent employers in Estonia who offer hundreds of young people the opportunity to earn their first money in the summer. However, there are still many enterprises that take advantage of the lack of awareness of young people or establish conditions that are not the most beneficial for young people. Therefore, both young people themselves and their parents should pay attention to such warning signs,” explained Marina Hakiainen, head of the retail banking department of the Estonian branch of Citadele. “Perhaps the most common unfair practice is paying young people so-called salaries in an envelope. For many job seekers, this sounds attractive, since often this method of payment is justified by the fact that it allows the young person to get more money, since the company will not have to pay taxes on the salary, Hakiainen said. “However, in the end, this will still mean less money for the young person, because when working illegally it is very difficult to demand, for example, various benefits. In addition, if any disputes arise, it will not be easy to resolve them, and this method of payment also means a smaller pension for the employee. If an enterprise evades paying taxes, this immediately indicates that there are some problems with the management of the enterprise or with its economic sustainability.” According to Hakiainen, warning signs cannot be ignored even in short-term work: “Despite certain suspicions, there may be a temptation to accept a job offer, but it is unwise to do so – such work can harm both the health and financial situation of the young person, and his future.” . Hakiainen describes some of the most common situations that should force a young job seeker to be especially careful with a potential employer: An employment contract is not concluded. Always sign an employment contract before starting work. An employment contract should be in writing and will protect your rights in the event of any future disputes. The absence of an employment contract also means that the employer will not be held liable if, for example, something happens to you at work. Salary is offered “in an envelope”. An unofficial salary in an envelope means that the employer has no obligations to you and you cannot demand anything from him. An employer can send you home in broad daylight and there is nothing you can do about it. In the future, when filing an income tax return, it will be necessary to indicate the amount of the salary in an envelope, and in the end you will have to pay the unpaid income tax on it yourself. Unpaid trial day. An employer cannot require you to do “trial” work for which you will not be paid. Remember that if you do real work, it must be paid. There must also be an appropriate prior written agreement. Unregistered employment. Each person can independently check the registration of his employment in the e-MTA electronic system of the Tax and Customs Board. Here you can see whether your employer has registered you and whether they have properly declared your salary. Read RusDelfi wherever it is convenient for you. Follow us on Facebook, Telegram, Instagram and even TikTok.
