On Thursday, May 18 the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) president & CEO, Christina Renna participated in a major announcement from the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development (NJDOL) on how working papers are filed for underage workers.

The event, which was held in Atlantic City, was attended by several CCSNJ members and other shore businesses that rely heavily on teenage workers. During the formal presentation, NJDOL announced an overhaul of the current antiquated system that will include a new website and online portal, which employers and teenagers will use to obtain employment. The website, MyWorkingPapers.nj.gov, will go live on June 1 and NJDOL is aggressively spreading the word about the new process that streamlines the system by removing schools and doctor’s notes from the process, and moves the entire filing system online.

In short, the new process will be as follows:

• Teenagers and employers each go to www.MyWorkingPapers.nj.gov to get started.
• Employers receive a unique 8-digit code when they register, which they share with every minor they hire.
• The minor completes the online working papers application, entering their caregiver’s name and email address, and the employer’s 8-digit code, which links the application to a specific employer.
• Emails prompt the employer and teen's caregiver — a parent or guardian — to complete their portions of the application and sign their permission. Caregivers also will be asked to upload a copy of a birth certificate, passport or other official document verifying the minor’s age.
• The minor begins working when their application is approved.

Anyone who needs working papers before June 1 should continue using the paper forms, which are available at www.nj.gov/labor/youngworkers/find-a-job/working-papers/.

The CCSNJ, in partnership with several other business organizations, will be hosting a webinar on the new process next week. The webinar will take place on Wednesday, May 24 at 2 p.m. and you can register for it by clicking here.

To read NJDOL’s press release, which contain additional details, click here.

To watch a brief video clip from yesterday’s announcement, click here.