Poland launches one‑time severance program for JSW miners, bans return to sector

The Polish government has allocated roughly 500 million złoty to fund a one‑off severance scheme for employees of Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa (JSW). Each eligible worker receives a net payment of 170 thousand złoty and, in exchange, agrees to a permanent ban on returning to any mining employment. By late May, 526 people had taken the payout, and the programme aims to reach about 1 156 workers, including miners, administrative staff, HR and security personnel, by the end of the year. Over a five‑year horizon the total outlay for severances is projected to exceed 2 billion złoty, complemented by state‑funded mining holidays for over 3 000 employees nearing retirement.

The Agency for Industrial Development (ARP) in Katowice verifies applicants, checking a database of 112 768 individuals who have previously received similar social‑protection benefits since 1994. Anyone found to have taken earlier aid is barred from the new payment. The scheme also requires recipients to sign a declaration confirming they will not seek employment in the mining sector or related services. The programme awaits clearance from the European Commission to ensure it does not constitute prohibited state aid.