Changes in Employment Rules in Ukraine
In Ukraine, starting from January 1, 2026, the rules for employing people with disabilities will become stricter and will apply to all enterprises. However, due to the lack of by-laws, employers do not know how to properly fulfill the quotas, which creates risks for businesses and people with disabilities, as reported by agronews.ua.
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This information was shared by the head of the Committee on Finance, Tax, and Customs Policy, Danilo Hetmantsev (“Servant of the People”). According to him, the development of the economy during and after the war remains one of the state’s key priorities.
The basis of the economy is businesses that create jobs, generate added value, and ensure social stability. In order for businesses to function effectively, employment rules must be clear, transparent, and understandable.
One of these requirements is the employment of people with disabilities within the 4% quota of all employees. It is noted that this is an opportunity for businesses to fill personnel gaps and a chance for veterans and people with disabilities to gain employment, a decent life, and socialization. However, meeting these quotas creates additional burdens for employers, especially regarding the arrangement of workplaces.
Starting from January 1, 2026, the rules for quota fulfillment will become stricter. They will apply not only to the private sector but also to state enterprises. Additionally, the employment of people with severe disabilities will count as 1 to 2, ensuring greater fairness and equality for all employers. Previously, the obligation to comply with the quota was only for private businesses, now it will become universal.
Hetmantsev pointed out that new mechanisms require by-laws, which the government was supposed to develop within six months. As of today, they are still not available, and almost 91 thousand legal entities in Ukraine are already required to comply with these quotas. This causes concern among employers who do not understand how to act from the new year.
The problem is particularly acute for enterprises with hazardous or dangerous working conditions. The Verkhovna Rada provided that the Cabinet of Ministers should determine which jobs are not included in the quota, as incorrect calculations can lead to financial collapse of enterprises.
For example, in mines, considering all positions of underground workers for the quota will result in inflated fines – in 2025, the average fine for one unplaced worker with disabilities was 176 thousand hryvnias per year.
“Preparation for the implementation of new rules should be done in advance, not faced as a fact. As a state, we must ensure a complete mechanism for fulfilling obligations so that employers have clear rules and people with disabilities have more job opportunities,” emphasized Hetmantsev.
According to Hetmantsev, timely information and involvement in the development of by-laws by both employers and organizations of people with disabilities are critically important. It is noted that this will help avoid a situation where the obligation exists, but there is no mechanism for its implementation, and will ensure the effective integration of people with disabilities into the work environment.
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