First contract, then work since 1 September

The amendment to the Labour Code, which enters into force on September 1 this year, assumes the end of the first day employment syndrome. The employer and every employee will be required to have a written contract or written confirmation of its terms – even before admitting the employee to work.

If the employment contract is not concluded in writing (e.g., the parties agree on its terms orally), the employee will need to receive written confirmation of the terms and conditions of the contract prior to admission to work. The employer may need to pay a fine for failure to confirm terms and conditions of the contract in writing before admitting the employee to work. 

“These changes guarantee legal employment, and therefore, safety and comfort of work for employees,” said Minister Elżbieta Rafalska. “Now, when the situation on the labour market is improving, we want to take care not only of its accessibility but also of its quality.”