The government approved the project of the updated Labor Code

According to the head of government, the Ministry of Economy worked on the creation of the document for more than two years – in partnership with business, trade unions, scientists and with the participation of international partners. “The labor market in Ukraine still functions according to the Labor Code of 1971. During this time, the structure of the economy, employment formats and the needs of employers and employees have changed. The new Labor Code takes this into account and forms clear rules of labor relations,” she says.

As Svyridenko noted, the document is one of the key steps for the implementation of the population employment strategy until 2030, which the government also adopted today during the meeting.

Clear signs of labor relations

The document defines eight signs of labor relations. This will help reduce legal uncertainty and bring employment out of the shadows. Preliminary estimates regarding the detinization of the labor market are UAH 43 billion per year.

Flexible labor contracts

The number of types of employment contracts increases from 6 to 9. The Code clearly regulates modern work formats: remote, home, non-fixed working hours. In addition, the employee will be able to conclude several types of employment contracts with the employer.

Digitization of labor relations

Electronic documents are equated to paper documents in labor relations.

A transparent mechanism for determining the minimum monthly and hourly wages

The minimum limit will be determined as a percentage of the average salary, which will be set by the government.

Flexible working regimes for employees who have children

The Code establishes the right to flexible forms of work (remote work, work at home). And also gives more opportunities to parents. For example, expanding the rights of both parents to take leave to care for a child: both mother and father will be able to take two months of leave each.

Labor inspection reform

A risk-oriented approach to inspections is introduced.

Youth employment

In particular, the code introduces a separate mechanism for a safe combination of education and first work – the student employment contract.

In addition, according to Svyridenko, the adoption of the code is also an important step for our further European integration. The document provides for the implementation of more than 30 EU directives, regulations and conventions of the International Labor Organization.

As the head of the government noted, now the draft law must be considered by the deputies in the first reading.

As you know, on August 21, 2025, the last of the six planned tripartite consultations regarding the discussion of the updated draft of the Labor Code of Ukraine took place. Representatives of the Ministry of Economy, the International Labor Organization (ILO), the State Labor Service, the National Mediation and Conciliation Service, representatives of employers, trade unions, people’s deputies, as well as Ukrainian and international experts in the field of labor law took part in the event in order to observe the principles of social dialogue, search for consensus and compromise solutions regarding its individual provisions, and agree on positions.

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