Child Labor Law regulates employment of workers under 16 years of age. The law protects children by: requiring employment certificates.This Illinois law enhances restrictions on the employment of minors. Indeed, the Act imposes certain new civil and criminal penalties on violating employers. Learn about when children can start working, work permits, and the restrictions on the hours and types of work children can do. Employment of minors. (a) A person shall not employ, allow, or permit a minor to. One of the primary provisions of Illinois child labor laws is the minimum age for employment. Illinois Child Labor Law requires any child under age 16 who wants to work to obtain an employment certificate from their school's Issuing. Officer. If you are 14 or 15, a work permit is required for you to work in Illinois.