Is it possible to lay off employees during martial law?

Yes, an employer may dismiss employees during martial law if there are objective reasons related to changes in the organization of production or work. Such reasons may include:

1. Liquidation of an enterprise or its structural units.

2. Reducing the number or scope of work performed.

The reduction procedure includes:

• At least two months' prior notice to employees and the State Employment Service of planned redundancies.
• Ensuring that the rights of protected categories of employees, such as pregnant women, mothers with children under three, and other persons with additional guarantees against dismissal, are respected.
• The requirement to notify employees and the State Employment Service does not apply in the case of dismissal of employees in connection with the implementation of measures during mobilization, as well as in the case of destruction of production, organizational and technical conditions, means of production or property of the employer as a result of hostilities.

During the martial law period, it is important to note that no prior authorization from trade unions is required for dismissal. However, the employer is obliged to ensure compliance with all legal requirements and provide appropriate payments to dismissed employees, including compensation for unused vacation and severance pay.