The requirement to maintain employment record books in paper form has been lifted

A new law¹ revolutionising the regulation related to maintaining the records of employment came into effect on 10 June 2021

The law changed the rules for using employment record books and introduced the maintenance of employment records in digital form in the register of insured persons of the State Mandatory Social Insurance Register (the "Social Insurance Register").

Starting from 10 June 2021, employment records are maintained in digital format and the usage of paper employment record books is no longer required. The law provides for a five-year transitional period in order for employment records from employees’ paper employment record books to be added to the Social Insurance Register. 

Once these records are added, the employer is required to return the original employment record book to the employee and subsequently may only make records in it if requested to do so by the employee.

The law also changes the list of documents required to be provided by the newly hired employee and introduces a number of other novelties.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine is expected to adopt the new procedure for maintaining the employment record books that would be compliant with the new legislation.

On your request, we will be glad to share our comments on the expected effects of these developments on your business and provide our advice regarding the steps to be taken in order to bring the employment records and internal documentation in compliance with the new legal requirements.

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^{1The Law of Ukraine on Amendment of Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine regarding Digital Employment Records No 1217-IX dated 5 February 2021}