Poland Sees Accelerating Job Cuts, Longer Search for New Work

Job dismissals are accelerating in Poland, with a significant increase in individuals seeking new employment. In the first four months of 2026, nearly 163,000 people registered at employment offices after being laid off due to employer-related reasons. This marks an 11% rise compared to the same period last year.

Human resources firms corroborate this trend, noting a surge in redundancies. Data from LHH indicates that the number of individuals participating in outplacement support programs has risen by 12% in the first five months of the year, exceeding the figures from the record year of 2025. Experts attribute this escalation to several factors, including the high costs associated with running businesses, a weakening economic climate, the increasing adoption of automation, and the broader implementation of artificial intelligence.

The job market is also experiencing a prolonged search period for new positions. On average, specialists are now taking six months to find new employment, while managers face even longer waits, extending up to a year. This extended timeline reflects the tightening labor market and the challenges faced by both employers in finding suitable candidates and employees in securing new roles.