flash news

15 January 2026
Gender-neutral recruitment without fines, but with a risk of claims for compensation

In his last statement, the Chief Labour Inspector Marcin Stanecki has emphasized that The National Labour Inspectorate does not have authority to impose fines for job advertisements that breach the principle of gender neutrality. However, that does not mean that employers bear no responsibility emphasises Marcin Stanecki, Chief Labour Inspector.

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MRPiPS publishes an Action Plan to support collective bargaining

The Ministry of Family, Labour, and Social Policy (“MRPiPS”) has published an Action Plan to support collective bargaining that is intended to increase the number of collective labour agreements and revitalise social dialogue. The document implements obligations arising from EU law; however, according to experts, its current form is too general.

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President signs latest changes to labour law and rules on sick leave

On 7 January, the president signed two amendments that are significant for employers and employees. The Act of 4 December 2025 eases certain formal requirements in the Labour Code, whilst the changes of 18 December 2025 concern the Social Insurance Institution's (ZUS) adjudication system and the rules on sick leave.

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2 January 2026
Facilitated procedure for Belarusian citizens - extended opportunity to acquire Polish travel documents for foreigners

A regulation of the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration came into force on 1 January 2026 extending until 30 June 2026 the period during which Belarusian citizens can apply for a Polish travel document for foreigners.

 

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31 December 2025
Key information for employers on payroll in 2026

In 2026, the annual working time will increase by 16 hours compared to 2025 (2,008 hours vs. 1,992 hours). This will have a direct impact on shift planning, payroll budgeting and working time limits within settlement periods. July is a particularly important month as it has the highest number of working hours in the year (184 hours). Incorrect planning could result in overtime at the scheduling stage.

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29 December 2025
New regulations on employment length are coming into force in the public sector.

As of 1 January 2026, rules for determining employment length in the public sector will change and have significant implications for employers. Employment length will include not only periods of employment under an employment contract, but also other forms of professional activity, provided that they are properly documented (in particular, by certificates issued by the Social Insurance Institution – ZUS). The law has not introduced any time limits, which means that earlier periods of professional activity may also be counted toward employment length.

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