Polish labour inspectors expand scrutiny to temporary work contracts and commuting time

New regulations that took effect on 8 July grant the State Labour Inspection (PIP) broader powers to verify the correct use of civil‑law contracts. While the changes do not directly target the agency‑based temporary‑work sector, analysts warn that the inspection scope could soon include temporary‑work arrangements, urging firms to audit their processes in advance.

Separately, a 2025 ruling of the EU Court of Justice clarified that travel to and from a workplace counts as working time when the employee is under the employer’s direction, such as when transport is organised by the employer or a collection point is mandated. The decision, illustrated by a Spanish green‑maintenance company case, means that for certain occupations – e.g., drivers, construction crews, service technicians – commuting may be remunerated as work time, reinforcing existing Polish court interpretations.

Both developments signal tighter enforcement of labour standards in Poland, affecting employers that use agency contracts or organise employee transport.