On Friday, September 12, the Sejm passed a bill amending the Labor Code, including periods of employment under civil law contracts and those run as sole proprietors. This is a significant and groundbreaking change that could significantly impact the situation of many employees.
It should be emphasized that the MPs voted to adopt amendments of both a clarifying and legislative nature.
What will count towards seniority?
According to the content of the bill passed by the Sejm, the length of service will include, among others: periods of conducting non-agricultural business activity and cooperation with a person conducting the business activity, the period of suspension of business activity by a person conducting non-agricultural business activity in order to provide personal care for a child, periods of performance of a contract of mandate, provision of services, agency contract and the period of being a cooperating person.
Social Insurance Institution certificate
According to the final wording of the law, these periods will be confirmed by a special certificate issued by the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS). Importantly, if ZUS is unable to issue such a certificate, the law allows for the employee to prove the period of service with their own documents.
Entry into force
The new regulations will apply from January 1, 2026, for employers in the public finance sector. Private sector employers have slightly more time to apply the new regulations, which, in their case, will take effect on the first day of the month following the expiry of six months from the date of publication of the Act.
What are the next steps?
The bill has now been submitted to the Senate, and we will keep you updated on further steps.
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