Poland's National Labour Inspectorate intensifies contract inspections

The Polish National Labour Inspectorate (PIP) has entered a new phase of enforcement following regulatory changes effective July 8. While inspectors have not yet utilized the most severe administrative tool—issuing formal decisions to mandate the conversion of civil law contracts into employment contracts—they have already initiated 347 inspections regarding the legality of such agreements between July 8 and August 28. During this period, 210 written orders were issued to employers to rectify contract types.

Pressure on businesses is increasing, evidenced by a significant rise in complaints regarding civil law contracts, which reached 1,959 since the start of the year—nearly triple the volume of the same period in 2025. The reform also enhances the inspectorate's ability to target high-risk entities through data exchange with the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) and the National Revenue Administration (KAS).

Under the new framework, inspectors maintain the authority to conduct unannounced inspections at any time of day or night. The reform extends oversight beyond traditional employers to include entities that utilize individuals performing work under mandate or specific-task contracts.