“In Ukraine, work continues on the updated Labor Code, which should become a key stage in the harmonization of domestic legislation with the norms of the European Union. Deputy Minister of Economy Daria Marchak explained in a telethon on January 12, 2026 that one of the main innovations of the document is an increase in the duration of the annual basic vacation from 24 to 28 calendar days. Such a step will ensure”, — write on: ua.news
In Ukraine, work continues on the updated Labor Code, which should become a key stage in the harmonization of domestic legislation with the norms of the European Union.
Deputy Minister of Economy Daria Marchak explained in a telethon on January 12, 2026 that one of the main innovations of the document is an increase in the duration of the annual basic vacation from 24 to 28 calendar days. Such a step will provide Ukrainian workers with a level of social guarantees that corresponds to the practice of EU countries, where 28 days of paid rest is a generally accepted standard.
The draft Code, which was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on January 7, 2026 and submitted to the Verkhovna Rada for consideration, provides for flexible approaches to the establishment of labor relations. In particular, after the law enters into force, employees will not need to renegotiate existing contracts, as additional vacation days will be accrued automatically. At the same time, for employers who have not yet drawn up written contracts with their staff, a transition period of one year is provided for the official registration of relations in paper or electronic form.
In addition to increasing leave, the reform introduces new digital tools and expands parental rights to care for a child, allowing both parents to take part of the paid leave at the same time or alternately. The implementation of the Labor Code also aims to bring the labor market out of the shadows, which, according to preliminary government estimates, can additionally attract about 43 billion hryvnias per year to the budget. The new rules are expected to come into effect six months after the lifting of martial law, but some European integration rules can be implemented earlier by a decision of the parliament.
Such systematic restructuring of the labor sphere is part of Ukraine’s obligations to international partners and an important step on the way to full membership in the EU. Despite the difficult conditions associated with Russian aggression and energy challenges, the state continues to implement social standards that improve the quality of life of citizens. Currently, the document is being processed in the specialized committees of the Verkhovna Rada, where deputies are studying proposals for financial compensation for unused rest days and mechanisms for protecting the rights of employees during the period of the special state.
It was previously reported that the Cabinet of Ministers approved a draft of the updated Labor Code, which enshrines the right to flexible forms of work and should be the start of reforming the labor market.
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