Poland sees wave of layoffs as AI automation threatens millions of jobs

A wave of group layoffs is sweeping Poland's business services, IT and finance sectors. In Kraków, 400 positions vanished from HSBC, 200 from Electrolux, and cuts have hit UBS, PepsiCo, Intel and Octopus Energy. By mid‑2026, 23 companies reported reductions affecting more than 2,000 workers, citing process relocation to countries such as India and automation with artificial intelligence. The Polish Institute of Economics estimates about 3.7 million jobs are at risk from AI, while the IMF projects up to 5.5 million could be lost over the next five to ten years. An online calculator was launched by NASK to assess individual exposure.

At the Walcownia Metali Dziedzice metal‑rolling plant in Czechowice‑Dziedzice, the planned reduction of staff was trimmed after union negotiations. Instead of 200 redundancies, up to 150 workers will be let go, with the process beginning in July and running through February next year. Severance pay will vary with tenure, and extra benefits were secured for employees close to retirement.