18:51 1 September 2025
Draft budget assumes average employment in corporate sector unchanged y/y in ‘26
Poland’s draft 2026 budget projects stable employment in both the national economy and the enterprise sector, after declines of 0.2% and 0.4% respectively in 2025. Registered unemployment is expected to fall slightly, from 5.1% at end-2025 to 5.0% in 2026. The government attributes current declines in employment mainly to demographic pressures and a shrinking working-age population.
Wages are set to continue growing strongly. In 2025, average pay is expected to rise 8.2% nominally (4.4% in real terms), while in 2026 it is projected to increase by 6.4% (3.3% in real terms). Overall, the government foresees continued labor market stability, supported by rising incomes despite demographic challenges.
