Poland's Labour Market Loses Momentum as Hiring Plans Cool
Poland's labour market is showing signs of weaker momentum in September 2026, with businesses remaining cautious about expanding workforces and unemployment-from-layoffs rising sharply, according to new business sentiment data.
Poland's labour market is losing steam, though it has not yet deteriorated sharply. According to September 2026 business surveys and labour statistics, employers are pulling back on hiring plans, employment in larger companies is under pressure, and the number of workers losing jobs due to employer-initiated terminations is climbing.
Signs of Caution
BIEC's forward-looking Labour Market Indicator edged down slightly in September after two months of gains. While still in positive territory, the trend suggests employers are adopting a wait-and-see posture. Statistics Poland's September business survey found that sentiment across manufacturing, retail and services remains restrained, with many firms expressing uncertainty about current operating conditions.
Meanwhile, registered unemployment from employer-related terminations — layoffs — rose approximately 4% in August alone, affecting around 43,000 workers. This is a notable shift from earlier 2026 patterns of relative employment stability.
The Job Vacancy Picture Remains Mixed
Despite hiring caution, Statistics Poland recorded 98,700 vacant positions at the end of Q2 2026, up 2,900 year-over-year. However, this masks a mismatch: job-search duration has lengthened by 1.7 months since early 2025, and 21.8% of the unemployed are now long-term jobless — a rise from 16.8% a year earlier. This points to a skills and fit problem, not simply a lack of jobs.
Implications for Foreign Workers
As a foreigner in Poland, this slower labour market means competition will intensify slightly for open roles, particularly if you lack Polish-language fluency or specialised technical skills. However, sectors in persistent shortage — healthcare, IT, skilled trades — continue to offer opportunities. Ensure your CV is tailored to specific roles and consider upskilling or language training if your current profile is general. Those already employed should secure their positions; contract workers and those on renewable permits may face higher uncertainty through year-end.
Sources
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