New Powers Of Poland’s Labour Inspectorate: A Step Forward Or A Step Too Far?

Under changes to Polish employment law, effective July 2026, the National Labour Inspectorate (Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy, or PIP) may determine the existence of an employment relationship by administrative decision. Previously, inspectors could only ask that a labour court establish whether a civil law contract was in fact an employment contract.

The reform addresses the long-standing practice of employers engaging individuals under civil law or B2B contracts even if the working relationship meets the conditions of employment. Under the Polish Labour Code, an employment relationship exists when work is performed personally and continuously, for remuneration, under the employer’s direction and at a designated place and time. The amendment does not change this definition but strengthens the enforcement powers of administrative authorities.