Ministry of Economy Issues Clarification
The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine has officially denied reports that the new draft Labor Code would reduce maternity leave to four months. According to official statements, the leave for pregnancy and childbirth will remain at 126 calendar days. This period is divided into 70 days allocated before childbirth and 56 days after. The draft legislation does not propose canceling or shortening this entitlement.
Introduction of Paid Parental Leave
The existing childcare leave, which allows an employee to stay home until a child is three years old with job protection, will remain in effect. In 2026, the single social contribution (SSC) payment during this leave will be set at 1,902 UAH per month. Furthermore, the draft Labor Code introduces a new, separate paid parental leave lasting four months. This new leave will be allocated as follows:
- two months are granted to the mother;
- two months are granted to the father.
It is important to note that parents cannot transfer their portion of this leave to the other parent. However, a single mother or a single father will have the right to use the full four-month period. The right to take this new leave can be exercised until the child reaches the age of eight. These reforms align Ukraine's labor policies more closely with family support standards seen in the European Union.
The Ministry notes that the draft preserves crucial protections for families. These include:
- a prohibition on dismissing employees with children under eighteen months or with a child with a disability;
- protections for single mothers and fathers with children under 14;
- guarantees for pregnant employees, including paid time off for medical examinations.
The Ministry of Economy emphasized that 'media reports claiming the new Labor Code supposedly cuts maternity leave to four months are circulating. This is not true. The authors of such reports are conflating different types of leave, which have different purposes.'
Therefore, the new draft Labor Code not only avoids reducing existing rights but also expands opportunities for parents to balance work and family life, in line with European standards.
The Ministry of Economy's rebuttal regarding the reduction of maternity leave is a significant step in ensuring stability for Ukrainian families. Amid economic challenges and the need to support parenthood, maintaining the duration of maternity leave and introducing new forms of support, such as parental leave, may help improve the country's demographic situation. These changes reflect a trend toward increased attention to the rights of parents and children in Ukraine, as well as a move toward European standards in this field.