The global economic crisis has caused an increase in unemployment. Its results have also impacted the Polish labour market, though less severely than in other EU countries. At the end of 2006, the unemployment rate in Poland amounted to 14.8 percent. At the end of 2008 it was reduced to 9.5%, but at the end of 2009 it rose to 11.9%. At the end of 2010, unemployment in Poland was at the level of 12.3%. A positive trend is the increase in employment rate in the productive-age group: in 2005 it equalled 57.1 percent, while in 2010 it increased to 65 percent.
Anti-crisis package
In response to the global crisis, Polish authorities have introduced an “anti-crisis package” supporting employers and protecting employees. The solutions included in the package have been prepared in co-operation with trade unions and employers. Flexible working time has been introduced, enabling the employers to adjust the working hours to the needs and possibilities of their companies. The terms of fixed-term employment contracts have been limited to a maximum of 24 months in order to protect employees from being dismissed. Additionally, employees of a company which suffers temporary difficulties due to economic slowdown or reduced working hours have been granted the right to remuneration supplements. The employees delegated to trainings or post-graduate studies in the period of reduced working time or economic slowdown have been granted the right to scholarships.
Increasing employment through budgetary assistance
The Government has assigned over PLN 700 million to actions aimed at increasing employee mobility. The funds are
earmarked for supplements granted to employees commuting at distances greater than 50 km and for incentive pays for employees who accept a worse-paid job. The assistance was also extended to young people entering the labour market. PLN 323.4 million was assigned in 2010 to professional development of people below 30 years of age. Support was given to ca. 45 thousand people. These funds were used, among others, for vocational trainings, internship programmes and courses in preparation for setting up individual businesses.
Rises in the public sector
In the years 2005–2009 the average pay in Poland increased by over 30 percent. The Government decided to increase salaries in the public sector, especially in the areas where the remuneration level did not match the qualifications of certain professional groups. The rises were introduced in healthcare, education, uniformed services and judiciary.
Anti-crisis package
In response to the global crisis, Polish authorities have introduced an “anti-crisis package” supporting employers and protecting employees. The solutions included in the package have been prepared in co-operation with trade unions and employers. Flexible working time has been introduced, enabling the employers to adjust the working hours to the needs and possibilities of their companies. The terms of fixed-term employment contracts have been limited to a maximum of 24 months in order to protect employees from being dismissed. Additionally, employees of a company which suffers temporary difficulties due to economic slowdown or reduced working hours have been granted the right to remuneration supplements. The employees delegated to trainings or post-graduate studies in the period of reduced working time or economic slowdown have been granted the right to scholarships.
Increasing employment through budgetary assistance
The Government has assigned over PLN 700 million to actions aimed at increasing employee mobility. The funds are
earmarked for supplements granted to employees commuting at distances greater than 50 km and for incentive pays for employees who accept a worse-paid job. The assistance was also extended to young people entering the labour market. PLN 323.4 million was assigned in 2010 to professional development of people below 30 years of age. Support was given to ca. 45 thousand people. These funds were used, among others, for vocational trainings, internship programmes and courses in preparation for setting up individual businesses.
Rises in the public sector
In the years 2005–2009 the average pay in Poland increased by over 30 percent. The Government decided to increase salaries in the public sector, especially in the areas where the remuneration level did not match the qualifications of certain professional groups. The rises were introduced in healthcare, education, uniformed services and judiciary.