Amendments To The Polish Labor Code

Following the amendments to the Polish Labor Code effective on 1 September 2016, an employee may start work only if beforehand:

• a written employment contract has been signed; or
• if there is no signed, written employment contract, the employer has confirmed to the employee in writing the arrangements concerning the parties to the contract, and the type and the conditions of the contract.

Otherwise the employer cannot allow the employee to start work. This is a very important change which counteracts the non-contractual hiring of employees.

Failure to comply may bring financial consequences for the employer or persons acting on his behalf. In the event of an inspection by the National Labor Inspectorate, if the employer is unable to provide an employment contract or the aforementioned written confirmation, he may be subject to a fine of PLN 1,000 up to PLN 30,000 (approx. €230 up to €7,000).