Belarus Preparing New Restrictions for Employers

Labor code to be amended

Belarus intends to revise its Labor Code. This was announced by Minister of Labor and Social Protection Natallia Paulyuchenka, as reported by 1prof.by. Among other things, the authorities may introduce innovations regarding service contracts.

Plans to Improve Contract-Based Employment

"Today, the main demand in the labor market is personnel. Our task is to develop legislative initiatives aimed at providing more flexible opportunities in selecting the composition of employees," noted Natallia Paulyuchenka. "One of the measures to develop human resources is the improvement of the contract form of employment. The current system does not always allow the employer and the employee to extend their contractual relationship for the duration they want."

The Minister gave an example.

"In a certain situation, the contract can only be extended for one year, although both parties wish to extend it for three years. Such restrictions need to be removed, making the system more flexible and responsive to the needs of employers and employees. Therefore, one of the directions of amending the Labor Code will be to change the approach in regulating the conclusion of contracts with employees, allowing the parties to do so without the current restrictions," explained the head of the Labor Ministry.

"There is still an outflow of economically active population." The Minister of Labor was asked about the shortage of personnel and how it is being addressed.

Possible changes to service contracts

"It is also planned to introduce a ban on replacing labor relations with civil law contracts. Unfortunately, today it is a common practice when an employer seeks to minimize their obligations to the employee and, instead of an employment contract that provides social guarantees (vacation, sick leave), concludes a civil law contract (service contract — Ed.)," noted the minister. "This approach carries numerous risks. It deprives the worker of the opportunity to obtain the basic social and labor rights and guarantees provided by law. A ban on substituting labor relations with civil law contracts will contribute to the real protection of citizens who actually perform labor functions within the framework of employment relations."

Potential innovation for those who train young specialists

"And another innovation concerns mentorship. Today, due to the need to retain young personnel, adapt them, and familiarize them with corporate culture, this topic is becoming particularly relevant," said Natallia Paulyuchenka. "Currently, legislation does not regulate the application of this form of work with young specialists. Accordingly, employers address these issues within the framework of their local legal acts. Therefore, there is a pressing need to establish the institution of mentorship in the Labor Code."

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