The government has approved the new Labor Code: what will change for workers.

According to ТСН: The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a new draft Labor Code, which is set to replace the Soviet norms of 1971. This document will serve as the basis for reforming the labor market and is part of the Employment Strategy for the population until 2030.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko emphasized that the development of this document took over two years, involving businesses, trade unions, and international partners. The new code aims to make labor relations more transparent and address issues of 'shadow' employment.

'The code establishes clear signs of labor relations. The document defines 8 characteristics of labor relations. This will help reduce legal uncertainty and bring employment out of the shadows. Preliminary estimates regarding the de-shadowing of the labor market are 43 billion UAH per year,' noted Svyrydenko.

Main changes for workers and businesses:

• Legalization of employment. Eight clear signs of labor relations have been established to help distinguish official work from hidden hiring.

• Diversity of contracts. The number of types of labor agreements increases from 6 to 9. Remote work, home-based work, and flexible schedule work are officially regulated.

• European salary standards. The minimum wage will now be determined as a percentage of the country's average, according to EU norms.

• Equality for parents. Both mother and father will have the right to two months of parental leave, as well as the option to work remotely if they have children.

• Digital revolution. Electronic document circulation in the labor sphere becomes equivalent to paper.

• First job. A 'student employment contract' is being introduced for students, which will allow for legal combination of study with practice.

• Labor inspection reform. A risk-oriented approach to inspections is being introduced.

'The next step is to consider the draft in the first reading in the parliamentary hall. We rely on the support of MPs and constructive work on the document between readings,' said Svyrydenko.

Lawyer Inna Miroshnichenko also gave an interview to a television channel, where she spoke about important aspects of the labor code under martial law. She provided useful information regarding the registration of mobilized individuals, clarifying the relationship with employers, and conducting staff reductions.

The approval of the new Labor Code is an important step towards reforming labor relations in Ukraine. It promises to improve working conditions and ensure greater rights for workers. The implementation of new norms and standards could significantly change the labor market, which is particularly relevant in the current economic situation in the country.