New Labor Code: what will change for employees and employers in Ukraine

The Verkhovna Rada may soon consider in the first reading the draft of the new Labor Code of Ukraine (draft law No. 14386), which should completely replace the current Labor Code of 1971. The document provides for a large-scale update of labor legislation and its adaptation to European standards.

One of the key changes will be the mandatory conclusion of a written employment contract for all employees – both in paper and electronic form using an electronic signature. The draft law also clearly defines the characteristics of labor relations, which should complicate the use of hidden employment schemes through individual entrepreneurs or civil law contracts.

Among the innovations are an increase in the minimum annual paid leave from 24 to 28 calendar days, a new type of paid leave for caring for a child up to 8 years old, as well as the expansion of parents’ rights regarding the distribution of maternity leave.

The document also establishes clear limits on working hours: the basic norm will remain at 40 hours per week, and the maximum duration of work, including overtime, cannot exceed 48 hours in seven days. In addition, one work shift cannot last more than 12 hours.

Separately, the draft law regulates remote and home work, electronic document management, flexible schedules, and unfixed working hours. For the first time, it is also proposed at the legislative level to regulate the monitoring of employees’ official correspondence, but only with prior written notice.

If the document is adopted, the new rules will come into effect six months after the end or lifting of martial law in Ukraine.