iGlobal Law

Core Facts

• Population:  38.6M
• GDP:  USD 477 billion
• GDP per head:  USD 14,655
• Workforce:  16M
• Unemployment (2017):  8.1%
• Average high skilled monthly wages (2017):  USD 1,154

Regulatory

• Government debt:  54.4% of GDP
• Personal income tax:  32%
• Corporation tax:  19%
• World corruption ranking 2016:  29th Transparency International
• Ease of doing business ranking:  24th Business Freedom Index
• Labour law:  ILO Conventions ratified
• Data protection:  Member of the EU and so recognised as having adequate protection

Poland’s labour code was enacted in 1974 and amended many times since. The country still operates with quite rigid labour laws but it has an educated work force and is steadily changing into a liberalised economy. Under the Code all employment contracts must be in writing and include specified provisions.  Following the financial crisis in 2008 a liberalising measure permitted the parties to an employment contract to agree terms that differ from the Code provided that the agreed terms do not put the employee in a worse position than he or she would have been entitled to under the Code.

New reforms, taking effect in 2016and 2017 have liberalised the labour market to an extent.

Collective agreements are not a major feature of Polish employment life. Trade Unions however remain influential despite a steadily declining membership.