Sharp Rise in Reserved Workers
Economy Minister Oleksii Sobolev has reported a significant increase in the number of reserved employees, which has grown by 300,000 people over the past 12 months. The government plans to update reservation rules, including raising salary thresholds for companies seeking critical-enterprise status. According to the minister, the system must be clear, fair, and resistant to manipulation. The adopted changes aim to strike a balance between defense needs and the stable operation of businesses that are essential for the economy to function during wartime.
Critical Enterprises and New Requirements
The number of enterprises granted critical status has increased by 9,000 over the past year. Notably, in front-line areas, the number of reserved employees has doubled, reaching 100,000 people. The government has decided to allow businesses operating in these zones to reserve 100% of their workers. The largest growth in reserved employees has been observed in the processing industry, construction, and transportation sectors.
The current reservation rules have remained unchanged since 2024. To confirm critical enterprise status, the average salary must be at least three times the minimum wage, which currently stands at 25,941 hryvnias. For businesses in front-line areas, a lower average salary threshold of 21,618 hryvnias has been maintained. It is also worth noting that an employee working for two companies will only be counted at one place of employment.
By June 10, central executive authorities and regional military administrations were required to update the criteria for defining critical enterprises. According to the established deadlines, compliance with the new requirements is scheduled to be verified by July 1, 2026. Decisions recognizing an enterprise as critical that are in effect as of June 2, 2026, will remain valid until the end of their term, but no later than September 1, 2026.
The update to employee reservation rules reflects the government's adaptation to challenges facing the country's economy during the war. Raising salary criteria may encourage businesses to improve working conditions while ensuring necessary resources for defense needs. This also underscores the importance of supporting critical enterprises that provide economic stability amid ongoing military operations.
As the government tightens reservation criteria, it's essential to consider how these updates align with the recent changes in salary requirements for military deferments. Understanding the broader implications of these adjustments can provide insights into the evolving landscape of employment policies during wartime.