The Law of Ukraine “On the Status of War Veterans, Guarantees of Their Social Protection” (No. 3551-XII, dated October 22, 1993) defines a system of social and labor rights for war veterans, persons with disabilities resulting from war, families of fallen military personnel, and individuals with special merits to the state. These provisions are aimed at supporting those who defended Ukraine and their loved ones.

War Veterans:

• Have a preferential right to retain their job during downsizing or reorganization, as well as the right to priority employment if the employer is liquidated.
• Receive temporary disability benefits at 100% of their average salary, regardless of their length of service.
• Are entitled to take their annual leave at a time convenient for them.
• Receive an additional paid leave of 14 calendar days.

Persons with Disabilities Resulting from War have similar rights, including the preferential right to job retention, priority employment, and enhanced social guarantees. Disability benefits can be paid for up to 4 consecutive months or up to 5 months within a year. They are also entitled to annual leave at a convenient time and an additional 14 days of paid leave.

Family Members of Fallen Service Members have the right to job retention, receive 100% temporary disability benefits, take annual leave at a convenient time, and are entitled to an additional unpaid leave of up to two weeks.

Individuals with Special Merits to the State have a preferential right to employment and job retention during downsizing, paid annual leave, and an additional unpaid leave of up to three weeks.

Recommendations for Employers:
● Consider the status of a veteran or a family member of a fallen service member when making HR decisions, especially during layoffs.
● Provide an individual approach to organizing working hours, conditions, and vacation schedules.
● Educate managers and HR specialists on the current guarantees and rights of veterans.
● Consult with the employee in advance about their needs, including opportunities for rehabilitation or medical treatment.
● Foster a corporate culture that supports employees with veteran status, thereby increasing loyalty and motivation within the team.

Adherence to these guarantees is not only a legal requirement but also an important step toward building a socially responsible business.