Modern Reforms in Ukraine's Labor Code
The new draft of Ukraine's Labor Code introduces innovative work formats such as remote, home-based, and flexible hours. Additionally, it aims to increase the annual paid leave to 28 days, aligning with European standards. This was announced by Deputy Minister of Economy and Agriculture Daria Marchak during the telethon «Unified News».
According to Marchak, the number of types of employment contracts will rise from six to nine.
The Code also establishes various work formats, including remote, home-based, and non-fixed working hours.
Marchak clarified that remote work is classified as a separate type of employment contract requiring agreement between the employer and employee.
Remote work can be combined with office work; for instance, an employee may work two days in the office and three days remotely, as stipulated in the contract.
The Code also prioritizes remote work for certain social categories, such as pregnant women or parents with children under one and a half years old. Employees facing harassment may be temporarily transferred to remote work until the issue is resolved, serving as a protective measure.
The new Labor Code also intends to eliminate outdated restrictions, adapting legislation to modern conditions.
«For instance, current labor legislation restricts night work for women with children under three years old. The Code removes these restrictions, allowing midwives with young children to assist during any hours», Marchak noted.
Among other significant innovations is the strengthening of leave guarantees. «Currently, labor legislation provides for 24 days of leave per year, while European norms require 28 days of paid leave. This brings us closer to European standards, granting employees an additional four days of leave», the deputy minister remarked.
Marchak emphasized that after the new Labor Code is adopted, employers will not need to re-sign contracts; however, if employment relationships are not documented, employers will have one year to formalize them.
On January 7, 2026, the government approved the draft of the new Labor Code of Ukraine, which will come into effect after being approved by the Verkhovna Rada and signed by the President.
