A single mother seeks additional leave—what documents are required for submission?

The Southeastern Interregional Office of the State Labor Service has explained what documents a single mother can provide to confirm her status in order to receive additional leave.

Article 10 of the Law of Ukraine "On Leave" grants a single mother the right to an annual additional paid leave of 10 calendar days.

Officials from the inspection activities office in the Zaporizhzhia region noted that labor legislation does not define the term "single mother." According to the resolution of the Plenary Session of the Supreme Court of Ukraine dated November 6, 1992, No. 9, a single mother is considered to be:

• a woman who is not married and whose child's birth certificate does not list the father, or where the father's name has been added in accordance with the mother's instructions;
• a widow;
• another woman who is raising and supporting a child on her own.

According to the Ministry of Economy's clarification, the latter category includes:

• a divorced woman;
• a woman raising a child without the father, specifically, a woman who gave birth to a child out of wedlock, with the father having acknowledged the child;
• a woman who is married, but whose child has not been adopted by the new husband, as the child's biological father is still present.

Current legislation does not specify a definitive list of documents that a single mother must present to confirm her status and obtain additional social leave. Therefore, any officially prepared, executed, and duly certified document demonstrating the father's lack of involvement in the child's upbringing can be submitted to the employer. The employer, taking into account the provided documents, makes a decision regarding the granting of additional social leave.