From 1 January 2026, new legislative norms will come into force in Ukraine that will change the approach to the employment of people with disabilities. The Ministry of Social Policy has announced updates that should provide more opportunities for the integration of people with disabilities into the labour market, as well as create motivational conditions for employers.
Read also: Veterans with Disabilities Try Adaptive Skiing
One of the key innovations will be a quota: at least 4% of employees in a company or institution must be persons with disabilities. This rule will apply to both the public and private sectors. At the same time, the quota will be implemented on a support basis: instead of fines, the government is introducing incentives — in particular, the possibility of compensating for part-time employment or creating accessible workplaces.
Another change is the abolition of outdated restrictions on the types of activities that people with disabilities can engage in. In the future, people will be able to work in all areas where the work does not harm their health or the safety of others. This expands the choice of jobs and increases the chances of stable employment.
The innovations also provide for social support — both for people with disabilities and for employers. Such support will help employees adapt to their new workplace and companies create favourable working conditions.
“In Ukraine, only 16% of people with disabilities have jobs. In EU countries, the figure ranges from 50 to 70%. We are changing our approach. It is not just about formally fulfilling quotas, but about creating real, quality employment. People with disabilities have the right to a dignified life and the opportunity to be part of the country’s economy,” emphasised Deputy Minister of Social Policy Volodymyr Vasylenko on the air of the telethon “Yedyni Novyny” (Unified News).
The new rules will give impetus to the formation of an inclusive labour market, where people with disabilities will be able to realise their potential, and businesses will be able to gain valuable employees and state support.
Read also: How to establish disability in 2025
