Registered unemployment in Poland was 5.8% in September 2026. That is the same as in August. A year earlier it was 5.6%. The figures were published on 23 October by Statistics Poland (GUS).
907,000 people were registered at job centres. That is about 2,500 fewer than a month earlier. However, the number of new registrations rose markedly: 108,900 in September, compared with 87,600 in August.
Regional differences are large. Wielkopolskie province has the lowest unemployment (3.8%) and Warmińsko-Mazurskie the highest (9.3%). In Poznań county the rate is 1.4%, while in Szydłowiec county it is 22.2%. Over the year, the situation worsened most in Lubuskie.
What it means for you
Poles in the UK thinking of moving back: the Polish labour market is stable, but no longer as hot as a year ago. Job prospects depend heavily on the region.
Families in Poland: if relatives are looking for work in a high-unemployment region, it may take longer.
Businesses in Poland and the UK: in some regions it is now easier to find staff than a year ago.
Our assessment
5.8% sounds calm, but the rise in new registrations is a warning sign. The data show that the Polish labour market has slowed noticeably compared with last year. In our view unemployment may rise slightly in the coming months, as it usually does in winter. Anyone planning to return to Poland should start looking for work early and check the situation in their county.
What to do
- Check unemployment data for your county on the GUS – registered unemployment.
- You will find job offers in Poland in the Central Job Offers Database.
- If you are returning from the UK, take form U1 (PD U1) so your periods of work in Britain count towards benefit.
Source: Rzeczpospolita / PAP, GUS data; Finwire (23.10.2026).
We assess factual corrections and substantive responses. Verified changes are reflected in our reporting.
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