Employment Law in Russia – Developments over the last decade

Ten years ago the new Russian Labour Code came into force, replacing the old Soviet-style “KZoT” (Code of Labour Laws). This was a new dawn for employment relationships in Russia. Since then, practicing labour lawyers and HR specialists have witnessed far more dramatic developments and modernization in the sphere than in the preceding 30 years or more.

Across most of Europe HR and employment law issues have long been regarded as among the most significant for business. In contrast, just a decade ago in Russia the picture could not have

been more different. Very few lawyers had much interest in practicing labour law as it was considered a secondary area of law.