Important changes in the labor market, determined by age. Up to 2,333 PLN in salary subsidies

Changes aimed at supporting the employment of people over 50 entered into force on June 1, 2025. They were introduced by the new Act on the Labor Market and Employment Services. They replaced the Act on Employment Promotion and Labor Market Institutions, which had been in force for over 20 years and amended over 200 times during that time.

People over 50 in the job market. What does it mean? purpose of changing the regulations?

According to data from the Central Statistical Office, the number of people of working age in Poland is systematically decreasing. One in four of them is over 50, meaning there are approximately 6 million people aged 50-59/64. This percentage could rise to one-third within the next five years. According to the Polish Economic Institute, 3.8 million workers will leave the Polish labor market by 2035, and young workers will not be able to fill this gap. The projected influx of new age cohorts will reach 1.7 million.

According to data from the Central Statistical Office (GUS), the percentage of people over 50 among registered unemployed persons increased to nearly 27% in the first half of 2025. The new law introduces a number of changes aimed at increasing the efficiency of employment offices and adapting them to changes in the labor market. One of the main objectives is to introduce new forms of support for job seekers and employers, such as subsidizing the employment of people over 50 and retirees.

Support for the employment of people aged 50+. What are the benefits for the employee?

Thanks to new regulations, people over 50 can benefit from various forms of support in their job search. In addition to salary subsidies intended to encourage employers to hire them, they can also count on priority referrals to training and internships.

Unemployed individuals over 50 can be placed ahead of others, for example, on three-month internships in companies or training courses leading to certification. They also have the opportunity to receive psychological and career support. Additionally, unemployed individuals over 50 who have at least 20 years of qualifying benefit will be able to collect it for one year.

Employment of people over 50. What are the benefits? employer?

Employers who choose to hire an unemployed person over 50 can count on a wage subsidy. According to the law, the subsidy can reach up to 50% of the minimum wage, which is currently PLN 4,666 gross. This translates to a potential state subsidy of up to PLN 2,333.

This amount is available for 12 months for unemployed people aged 50 to 60. However, if a company decides to employ people over 60, they can receive funding for 24 months.

Another benefit for employers is that they do not have to pay contributions to the Labor Fund for 12 months after employing an unemployed person over 50 years of age.

What must an employer do to receive funding?

Funding is available for hiring an unemployed person over 50 years of age referred by the employment office. The funding is granted by the district head after the employer submits an application to the employment office.

The employer must maintain the employment of the unemployed referred by the employment office for the duration of the subsidy and for the following six months. If the unemployed person is not retained, the employer must repay all funds received. However, if the employer maintains the employment throughout the subsidy period and for at least half of the post-refund period, the employer is required to repay 50% of the total amount to be reimbursed.