Poland’s control institutions are gradually evolving into more advisory, informational, and educational bodies, according to the Chief Labour Inspector (Główny Inspektor Pracy). This transformation aligns with the government’s deregulation agenda, which includes reducing the number and duration of inspections. At the same time, preparations are underway to strengthen the National Labour Inspectorate (PIP) under milestones outlined in the National Recovery Plan (KPO), including granting PIP the authority to convert sham civil-law contracts into employment contracts.
Deregulation Package: Fewer and Shorter Inspections
The first deregulation package, developed by the Ministry of Development and Technology (MRiT), states that inspections must not disrupt business operations. The maximum duration of inspections for micro-enterprises will be reduced from 12 to six days. Additionally, inspection frequency will be tailored to the risk profile of each business.
Representatives of the Labour Inspectorate are supportive of these changes.
“I’m a fan of deregulation. I’m pleased that many obligations will be lifted, such as the use of company stamps. Of course, this deregulation will also impact inspection bodies by reducing the number and length of inspections. For PIP, this means that we will need to identify risk areas and prioritize them—except in the case of complaints,” says Marcin Stanecki, Chief Labour Inspector.
PIP handles around 50,000 complaints annually and about 2,000 accident reports, including serious, collective, and fatal accidents, which trigger mandatory inspections.
From Control to Partnership
Stanecki notes that the reform is consistent with an ongoing shift in the Inspectorate’s mission—from a purely enforcement-driven body to a partner for employers.
“Today, control institutions often provide assistance. Last year, we offered 350,000 free legal consultations to employers and trained 168,000 people at no cost. We are focusing more on education and information, not just penalties and controls,” he explains. “I believe this advisory trend will dominate, and employers’ perception of control institutions will change.”
New Tools: Data Sharing, Risk Analysis, and Remote Inspections
Under the revised National Recovery Plan (KPO) approved by the EU Council in June, PIP will gain access to ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) data, enabling more precise targeting of inspections. The Inspectorate will also conduct risk analyses to determine which businesses require ad-hoc inspections, in line with the deregulation framework.
Another major change is the formal introduction of remote inspections:
“We tested this during COVID-19, but now we want a clear legal framework. Of course, direct contact is crucial, but in certain cases, hybrid inspections will work—checking documents, reviewing health and safety compliance, even connecting live to construction sites,” Stanecki says. “This allows inspectors to conduct multiple checks in one day without being physically present.”
Stronger Powers and Higher Penalties
PIP will be authorized to issue administrative decisions converting improperly used civil-law contracts into employment contracts. Fines in ticketing procedures will also at least double. However, Stanecki emphasizes that this is not about mass enforcement:
“These measures will apply to blatant abuses, where such contracts are used to reduce labor costs at the expense of employees.”
Implementation in 2026
The reforms aim to make inspections more targeted, effective, and results-driven. They will be implemented in 2026, accompanied by the digitalization and modernization of PIP and an increased budget.
