The new Labor Code draft in Ukraine introduces contemporary work formats: remote, home-based work, and flexible hours; additionally, paid vacation is set to increase to 28 days in line with EU standards. This was stated by Deputy Minister of Economy Daria Marchak during the telethon «Unified News».
According to her, the number of employment contract types will rise from six to nine.
The code also solidifies modern work formats: remote, home-based, and flexible arrangements.
Marchak explained that remote work is defined as a separate type of employment contract, which must be agreed upon by both the employer and the employee.
Remote work can be combined with office work. For instance, the contract may specify that the employee works two days in the office and three days remotely. Such arrangements are documented in the agreement.
The code also prioritizes remote work for certain social categories, such as pregnant women and parents of children under one and a half years old. Employees facing harassment may temporarily transition to remote work until the issue is resolved, thus making remote work a protective measure.
The new Labor Code aims to eliminate outdated restrictions, updating the legislation for modern conditions.
«Currently, labor laws restrict night work for women with children under three. For example, a midwife with a small child cannot assist mothers during weekends. The code removes many of these restrictions», Marchak noted.
Among other significant innovations, the new Labor Code enhances vacation guarantees.
«Existing labor legislation defines 24 vacation days per year, but European standards stipulate 28 days. Thus, the code aligns us with European norms, providing employees with an additional 4 days of vacation», she remarked.
Marchak emphasized that after the approval and enactment of the new Labor Code, employers and employees will not need to re-sign contracts. However, if existing employment relationships are undocumented, employers will have one year to formalize them in writing.
On January 7, 2026, the government approved the draft of the new Labor Code, which will come into force after its adoption by the Verkhovna Rada and signature by the President.