The fresh year brings crucial changes for employees in Poland. As of January 1, 2025, the minimum wage will increase to PLN 4666 gross, which means that the lowest national earners will receive the net, i.e. "on hand", PLN 3510.92. At the same time, the minimum hourly rate will increase to PLN 30.50 grosswhich will affect the remuneration of millions of Poles.
Who will be covered by a minimum wage increase?
The increase in minimum wage affects more than 3.1 million workers. Most frequently they are people employed in sectors with lower wages, specified as trade, services or production. The wage increase besides affects the amount of benefits linked to the minimum wage, which means additional benefits for workers.
Changes in benefits linked to minimum remuneration
Increasing the minimum wage entails changes in many another employment areas. These are the most crucial benefits that will grow:
- Staff clearance
The maximum amount of clearance in the case of group or individual exemptions will be 69 990 zł. - Work allowance at night
Staff performing their duties at night may number on an allowance of 20% of the hr rate resulting from the minimum remuneration, i.e. PLN 6,10 per hour. - Compensation for mobbing and discrimination
Minimum compensation in specified cases will increase to PLN 4666stresses the importance of protecting workers from unethical behaviour in the workplace. - Training provision
Staff made redundant, participating in training programmes, may receive maximum PLN 9332. - Remuneration for standby and interruption
Staff members shall be entitled to a wage of at least PLN 4666If the interruption was not due to their fault. - Sickness and maternity benefits
The minimum basis for the assessment of maternity, care, sickness and another benefits must not be lower than minimum remuneration after deduction of contributionsapproximately PLN 4024.12 gross. - Amount free of deductions
On deduction of contributions from remuneration, the staff associate must stay at least PLN 3510.92 net. - Income limit for undeclared activities
The monthly income limit will increase to PLN 3499.50, which facilitates tiny business activity without having to registry it.
Why is simply a minimum wage increase important?
Government decisions to rise the minimum wage are aimed at improving the financial situation of Poles and adapting salaries to rising costs of living. In fresh years, inflation has importantly reduced the purchasing power of wages, and rising the minimum wage is simply a step towards improving the standard of surviving of the lowest earners.
According to the Central Statistical Office (GUS), inflation in November 2024 amounted to 7.5%, which is an crucial origin in decisions on wage increases. The increase in minimum wage may besides increase wages in another occupational groups, creating a knock-on effect on the labour market.
Obligations of employers in relation to fresh legislation
Employers are obliged to adjust their employees' salaries to fresh rates from 1 January 2025. Failure to fulfil this work may consequence in sanctions from the State Labour Inspection (PIP). It is besides worth remembering that expanding minimum wage means higher employment costs, which can be a challenge for many companies.
How does changing the minimum wage affect the economy?
The minimum wage increase has its disadvantages and advantages. On the 1 hand, it increases workers' income, which has a affirmative impact on consumption and economical development. On the another hand, it can lead to an increase in labour costs, which in the case of tiny and medium-sized enterprises may consequence in a simplification in employment or increases in the price of goods and services.
Despite controversy, raising the minimum national is simply a step which aims to improve the surviving conditions of many Poles.
Read more:
Since 1 January PLN 4666 gross – what does a minimum wage increase mean in 2025?
