Ukrainian veterans and people with disabilities should undergo psychological adaptation and further integration into civilian life. In order to promote a barrier-free environment in labor market and provide jobs for Ukrainians from vulnerable groups, the Government plans to allocate UAH 3.6 billion in 2023, including UAH 558 million for training and retraining. This was announced by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yuliia Svyrydenko during the Business Without Barriers event with the support of the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, which took place with the participation of representatives of the Government and leading Ukrainian companies today, March 28.

"The main challenge is to create inclusive workplaces, of which more will be needed for those employees returning from the war zone. The number of people with disabilities is growing daily, and businesses are ready to respond. These people should be given every opportunity to return to work and to realize their potential. To have a decent place in life and feel comfortable. The state and employers are working on this right now," said First Lady Olena Zelenska.

In turn, Yuliia Svyrydenko highlighted the contribution of leading Ukrainian companies to creating a barrier-free environment. In particular, it involves the adaptation of mobilized employees of companies who have suffered disabilities, psychological trauma or mental disorders and their return to economically active life.

"On the one hand, there are 2.8 million unemployed in Ukraine today, and on the other hand, every company has a shortage of staff with the necessary qualifications. Our task is to overcome the barriers, both qualification and physical, to adapt everyone who wants and can work to the job. The state offers programs to encourage employers to hire by compensating them for part of their salaries or unified social tax, retraining the unemployed at the expense of the state, and providing grants from the state to start their own business. It is important that we take the right tactical steps to ensure that businesses work and people have access to the labor market," said Yuliia Svyrydenko.

Thus, the Government intends to increase the amount of compensation to employers for the employment of a person with a disability from 1 to 2 minimum wages plus the unified social tax and to extend the payment period to 1 year - from UAH 10,895 to UAH 14,527. It is also planned to raise the amount of compensation to employers for the employment of each combatant up to 2 minimum wages plus the unified social contribution during the year - up to UAH 16,348. The duration of payments will increase to 1 year.

In addition, the Government plans to cover employers' expenses for equipping workplaces for people with disabilities and arranging a barrier-free workspace (installation of ramps, widening doors, etc.).

Yuliia Svyrydenko told us that a number of grant programs would be launched in April, available to war veterans and their families. In particular, combatants, spouses of combatants and persons with disabilities caused by war will be eligible for receiving financial support from the state to start their own business - UAH 250,000, UAH 500,000, UAH 1 million, depending on the grant program.

"Work is not only about money, it's about dignity and a sense of necessity in civilian life. The programs we are currently focusing on and the directions we offer to employers and the unemployed are one more opportunity for everyone to realize their right to work, gain economic independence and contribute to the country's economic development," emphasized Yuliia Svyrydenko.