At a glance
- New legislation expanding the powers of the State Labour Inspectorate (PIP) entered into force on 8 July 2026.
- PIP can now issue administrative decisions establishing the existence of an employment relationship where work is performed under conditions characteristic of employment.
- The reform is aimed at tackling the misuse of civil law contracts that in practice constitute employment relationships.
- PIP has been granted additional inspection and enforcement powers, including the possibility of remote inspections and enhanced information sharing with public authorities.
- Financial penalties for labour law violations have increased significantly, and range from PLN2,000 to 60,000.
On 8 July 2026, amendments to the Polish State Labour Inspectorate Act came into force, significantly strengthening the powers of the PIP. The reform enables PIP to take a more proactive role in identifying situations where individuals engaged under civil law contracts are, in practice, working under conditions typical of an employment relationship.
Under the new rules, following an inspection and an opportunity for the employer to remedy identified irregularities, a regional labour inspector may issue an administrative decision establishing the existence of an employment relationship. The reform also introduces remote inspection mechanisms, broader cooperation between PIP, the social security authority (ZUS) and tax authorities. Further, it established increased financial penalties for non-compliance with labour law obligations.More to explore
