Poland: Unemployment rises despite summer season, worker sentiment remains stable

Poland’s labour market showed unexpected weakness in July 2025, with both rising unemployment and a decline in job vacancies during what is typically a peak season for employment. According to estimates from the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy, the registered unemployment rate increased to 5.4%, up from 5.2% in June and 5.0% a year earlier. This equates to 830,600 registered unemployed, around 33,700 more than the previous month and 65,300 more than in July 2024.

At the same time, the number of job advertisements fell below 250,000, the lowest monthly total since 2020, according to a report by Grant Thornton. Earlier in the year, the volume of vacancies had remained relatively stable at between 250,000 and 290,000 per month, but the downward trend began in June. Analysts note that the fall was partly influenced by reforms in labour offices, including new rules for registering farmers and registration based on place of residence, but also by broader economic uncertainty and structural shifts, including the growing role of automation and artificial intelligence.

Despite these indicators, Polish workers remain broadly positive about their employment prospects. The August edition of the Polish Labour Market Barometer, published by Personnel Service, found that 44% of respondents rated their professional situation as good or very good, while 37% assessed it neutrally and 14% negatively. These figures are broadly consistent with results from March. Full-time employees reported the highest levels of satisfaction (49%), compared with lower figures among the self-employed (34%) and those on temporary or part-time contracts (29%).

Concerns about job security are relatively limited. Nearly 60% of respondents said they were not afraid of losing their jobs or experiencing worsening employment conditions, while 24% expressed concern and 16% were undecided. Fear of job loss was highest among younger workers aged 18–24, with 40% expressing concern, while employees aged 55 and over were the most confident, with 73% reporting no fear of losing their jobs.

Labour market expert Krzysztof Inglot, founder of Personnel Service, noted that younger workers are more exposed to uncertainty because of temporary contracts and weaker positions in the job market, while older workers benefit from greater stability and established careers. “Despite the rise in unemployment and the decline in job offers, I expect that for most Poles the professional situation will remain stable. Those who are willing to change industry or develop their skills will continue to find opportunities,” he said.

The survey was carried out by Ariadna on a representative nationwide sample of 1,120 adults between 8–11 August 2025 using the CAWI method.