Starting from January 2021, the Ukrainian government has introduced a new regulation that aims to support people with disabilities in finding employment. According to this regulation, employers are now required to provide compensation for the first three months of employment of a person with disabilities, and for the first six months if the person has a disability. This is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equal society for people with disabilities.
The new regulation was proposed by Alexander Golovchenko, the Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine. He believes that this will not only provide financial support for people with disabilities but also encourage employers to hire more people with disabilities. This is a win-win situation for both parties, as it will not only improve the financial situation of people with disabilities but also create a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
The compensation will be provided to employers who hire people with disabilities through the Vocational Rehabilitation Program (VPL). This program is designed to help people with disabilities find suitable employment by providing them with vocational training, job placement, and other necessary support. The VPL is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Social Policy and the State Employment Service, and it has been successfully operating since 2018.
The compensation will cover the salary of the employee with disabilities for the first three months of employment, and for the first six months if the employee has a disability. This will help employers cover the additional costs that may arise from hiring a person with disabilities, such as providing necessary accommodations or training. The amount of compensation will be calculated based on the average salary in the region where the employee is hired.
This new regulation is a significant improvement compared to the previous one, which only provided compensation for the first month of employment. This was not enough to cover the additional costs that employers may face when hiring a person with disabilities. The new regulation not only extends the period of compensation but also includes people with disabilities who have been employed through the VPL program.
The government hopes that this new regulation will encourage more employers to participate in the VPL program and hire people with disabilities. This will not only benefit the individuals with disabilities but also contribute to the overall economic growth of the country. By providing equal opportunities for people with disabilities, we can tap into their potential and skills, which will ultimately benefit the whole society.
Moreover, this regulation is in line with the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Ukraine has ratified. This convention promotes the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of life, including employment. By implementing this regulation, Ukraine is showing its commitment to fulfilling its obligations under this convention.
In conclusion, the new regulation that provides compensation for the first three months of employment of a person with disabilities, and for the first six months if the person has a disability, is a positive step towards creating a more inclusive and equal society. It will not only provide financial support for people with disabilities but also encourage employers to hire more people with disabilities. This is a win-win situation for both parties, and it aligns with the international standards of promoting the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities. Let us hope that this will lead to a more inclusive and diverse workplace and society in Ukraine.
