Latest News & Updates

Introduction of an article on mentoring in the Labor Code

On March 1, 2025 a new article of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation on the regulation of mentors’ work comes into force. The article clarifies the concept of mentoring, the procedure for assigning mentor functions to an employee, the procedure for payment for such work, the possibility of the employee to refuse the assigned job and the possibility of the employer to cancel the assignment. The employer should inform the employee in advance about the mentoring tasks assigned to him, obtain consent and fix in the employment agreement or an additional agreement to it the scope and timing of mentoring work.

Details:
Federal Law from 09.11.2024 № 381-FZ: http://publication.pravo.gov.ru/document/0001202411090013  

Prohibition of concluding fixed-term employment contracts with heads of structural divisions

The concepts of “head of an organization” and “head of a structural unit” were distinguished in the Labor Code. So, a fixed-term employment contract could be concluded with the heads of organizations. If a contract for definite term was concluded with a head of structural division on basis of paragraph eight of the second part of Article 59 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, this contract is considered as concluded for an indefinite period. By March 1, 2025, employers had to bring their employment contracts in line with the current Labor Code standards.

Details:
Federal Law from 13.12.2024 № 470-FZ: http://publication.pravo.gov.ru/document/0001202412130023

Changes in compensation for unused days at dismissal

Starting from March 1, it is necessary to compensate days off for work on weekends and holidays at dismissal. The employer will now need to pay the difference between the already accrued payment for work on weekends and holidays and the increased payment for work in these days.

It was also clarified that employees can take a day off within one year from the day of work on weekends and holidays. If not, that days off accumulate to be compensated at the dismissal.

Details:
Federal Law from 30.09.2024 № 339-FZ: http://publication.pravo.gov.ru/Document/0001202409300031

The entitlement to unpaid leave for relatives of injured servicemen

Additional unpaid leave of up to 35 calendar days can now be granted to relatives of military personnel, volunteers of the Armed Forces of the Russia or the Russian internal Army, and a number of other officers who have been injured. The unpaid leave is provided for the care of injured relatives on the basis of a medical report.

Details: 
Federal Law from 07.04.2025 № 64-FZ:  http://publication.pravo.gov.ru/Document/ 0001202504070010

The ban on the export and shipment of labour books abroad has been lifted.

The law prohibiting the export, transfer and confiscation of labour books, military service record books and identity cards has become invalid. Thus, for employees living abroad it has simplified access to their personal documents, and for the employer it facilitates compliance with labor legislation when handing over a labour book to an employee.

Details:
Federal Law from 22.06.2024 № 145-FZ: http://publication.pravo.gov.ru/document/0001202406220003

Changes in working with personal data

Starting from May 30, 2025, new fines for violations when working with personal data come into force. Fines will increase for not submission a report to Roskomnadzor of the start of personal data processing, leakage of personal data, and failure to notify Roskomnadzor of the leak. In case of repeated leakage of personal data, turnover penalties will apply, and fines for leakage of biometric personal data will also be introduced additionally.

From September 1, 2025, at the request of the Ministry of Finance, it will be necessary to submit anonymized personal data. Based on this data, a registry will be formed, to which it is planned to provide access to legal entities and individuals included in the list of personal data processing operators and corresponding to a number of requirements.

Details:
Federal Law from 30.11.2024 № 420-FZ: http://publication.pravo.gov.ru/document/0001202411300011
Federal Law from 08.08.2024 № 233-FZ: http://publication.pravo.gov.ru/document/0001202408080031

Changes in the requirements for those responsible for fire safety

Since March 1, employees responsible for fire safety at the enterprise are required to comply with professional standards and qualification requirements. The professional standard “Specialist in fire prevention” becomes mandatory, therefore, if the person responsible for fire safety in the organization does not meet these requirements, he must be sent for retraining. Those responsible must confirm their qualifications through an independent assessment.

Details:
Article 1 of Federal Law from 24.09.2022 № 370-FZ: http://publication.pravo.gov.ru/Document/View/0001202209240007

Combating salary delays

Since March 1, an article has been introduced into the Labor Code, according to which interdepartmental commissions will be organized in each subject of the Russian Federation to monitor delays in the payment of wages. Any employee can apply to the commission, and an unscrupulous employer can be prosecuted for violations and will be required to develop a debt repayment plan.

Details:
Federal Law from 08.08.2024 № 268-FZ: http://publication.pravo.gov.ru/document/0001202408080067