The Government has set a premium for English: who will receive a higher salary
7 March 14:47
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has decided to introduce a salary supplement for English language proficiency for certain categories of employees. The allowance will amount to 10% of the official salary and will take effect immediately after the end of martial law. This was announced by the government’s representative in parliament, Taras Melnychuk, as well as MP Oleksiy Honcharenko, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
The document stipulates that the allowance for English language proficiency will be set at a level not lower than B2 on the scale of the Council of Europe’s recommendations on language education (CEFR).
The resolution will come into force simultaneously with the entry into force of part six of Article 4 of the Law “On the Use of English in Ukraine” (from the date of termination or abolition of martial law) and will be valid for four years.
Who will receive the English language allowance?
According to official data, the following categories of employees will be covered by the resolution
- contract military personnel;
- heads and deputies of local state administrations;
- police officers (middle and senior staff of the National Police);
- senior staff of law enforcement agencies and civil defense services;
- prosecutors;
- heads, members of executive bodies, members of supervisory boards and other officials of state-owned enterprises
- heads of state research institutions;
- heads of higher education institutions;
- employees of the education and science sector.
What are the requirements for English proficiency?
To receive the allowance, an employee must demonstrate knowledge of English at a level not lower than B2 according to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
This scale defines the level of language proficiency:
- A1-A2 – beginner level,
- B1-B2 – intermediate level,
- C1-C2 – high level.
Thus, those who have a sufficient level of language proficiency to conduct business communication, negotiations and prepare documents will be able to receive the allowance.
When will the resolution come into force?
The document will come into force simultaneously with the entry into force of part six of Article 4 of the Law “On the Use of English in Ukraine”. That is, from the moment the martial law is terminated or lifted.
The surcharge will be valid for four years from the date of its introduction.
Why is it important?
The introduction of the English language allowance is one of Ukraine’s steps towards European integration. It encourages civil servants, law enforcement agencies and educators to improve their skills, which will facilitate better communication with international partners.
As Oleksiy Honcharenko notes:
“This is an important step to strengthen Ukraine’s position in the international arena. English is not just a skill, but a strategic necessity in the modern world.”
As a reminder, on June 26, 2024, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Bill No. 9432, which defines the use of English in Ukraine. The document defines the categories of positions for which candidates are required to speak English, regulates the specifics of the use of English in the work of government agencies, local governments, in the fields of education, culture, transport, healthcare, etc.
The law came into force in the summer of 2024, but some of its provisions will come into force at different times.
What else does the law “On the Use of English in Ukraine” provide for?
The law states that the state ensures compulsory study of English and promotes the study of other languages of international communication in educational institutions regardless of ownership.
In addition, the document stipulates that pre-school education institutions provide compulsory learning of English by children of senior preschool age.
The Law gives higher education institutions the right to decide to teach one, several or most disciplines, perform individual tasks and conduct control measures in English, which is clearly stated in the description of the educational program when applying to a university.
The Law also establishes a requirement for English language proficiency for persons applying for positions in
- civil service category “A”;
- civil service of categories B and C, the list of which is established by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine;
- heads of local state administrations, their first deputies and deputies;
- military officers, sergeants and non-commissioned officers performing military service under a contract, the list of which is established by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine;
- mid-level and senior police officers of the National Police of Ukraine, positions of senior officers of other law enforcement agencies, positions of senior officers of the civil protection service, the list of which is established by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine;
- prosecutors;
- in tax and customs authorities, the list of which is established by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine;
- managers, members of the executive body, members of the supervisory board (board of directors and other officials of state-owned enterprises, business entities in the authorized capital of which more than 50 percent of shares (stakes) belong to the state
- heads of state research institutions;
- heads of higher education institutions;
- in the field of education and science, the list of which is established by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
The procedure for conducting an exam to determine the level of English proficiency, as well as the list of documents certifying the level of English proficiency, including internationally recognized certificates, shall be established by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
