Leave and working time

Leave and working time look like routine matters until they become the subject of an inspection or a dispute. The cost of getting them wrong is a fine for the company and unpaid sums for the employee.

When to get in touch

• the employer is not granting annual leave
• questions have arisen about compensation for unused days
• employees are working beyond the norm without it being documented
• a leave schedule and working time records need to be set up

What the lawyer does

• checks that the rules on granting annual leave are being followed
• analyses working time records and how overtime is documented
• prepares applications to the employer and complaints to the supervisory authorities
• calculates and recovers compensation through the courts
• drafts internal documents on working arrangements for companies
• advises on the special rules applying in wartime

Legal basis

The right to annual leave and its types are set out in Article 74 of the Labour Code of Ukraine; the procedure and conditions for granting it, and for recalling an employee from leave, in Article 79. The standard duration of working time is set by Article 50, reduced working hours by Article 51 and cumulative recording of working time by Article 61. Leave is further governed by the Law of Ukraine “On Leave”. During martial law special rules apply to fines for breaches of labour law.

Legislation and case law are updated over time, and some provisions apply only for the period of martial law. This page reflects the position as of August 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Can annual leave be postponed?

Yes, in the cases and in the manner set out in the law (Article 79 of the Labour Code); the postponement is documented.

Do the usual leave rules apply during martial law?

Special rules apply for this period; we assess a particular situation against the provisions in force at the time.

Need legal assistance? Call us or leave a request — a lawyer will contact you and explain what to do in your situation.