Polish Labour Inspectorate gains new powers to scrutinise civil contracts

A reform to the State Labour Inspectorate (PIP) introduces broader tools for verifying the legality of employment arrangements, especially where civil-law contracts or B2B agreements function as de-facto jobs. Inspectors first issue a notice to remedy any breach; if ignored, a regional inspector can issue an administrative decision declaring an employment relationship, which can be appealed in labour court. The new rules also allow partial remote inspections, increase data sharing with ZUS and the Tax Administration, and raise the maximum fines for labour law breaches. Companies have begun receiving letters encouraging self-checks and voluntary contract conversion, and a 12-month adjustment period is provided for compliant firms.