WARSAW, 7 October 2025: Poland’s registered unemployment rate rose to 5.6 percent in September, according to official figures released by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy. The figure reflects an increase from 5.5 percent in August and marks the highest level of joblessness recorded in the country in over two years. The total number of unemployed individuals stood at approximately 867,600 at the end of September, an increase of 10,300 compared to the previous month.
The rise in unemployment was reported across multiple voivodeships, with some regions showing larger increases than others based on local economic conditions and labour market demand. Data from Statistics Poland (Główny Urząd Statystyczny, GUS), the state-run statistical office, previously reported that the unemployment rate rose from 5.4 percent in July to 5.5 percent in August, continuing a consistent upward trend observed during the third quarter of 2025.
The national unemployment rate in Poland is calculated based on individuals who are officially registered with labour offices and actively seeking employment. This method differs from the harmonized unemployment data reported by Eurostat, which uses a broader definition aligned with International Labour Organization standards. According to the latest available data from Eurostat, Poland’s harmonized unemployment rate stood at 3.2 percent in August, placing the country among the lowest in the European Union by that metric.
Official data records 867600 unemployed nationwide
The increase in joblessness comes amid a changing economic landscape in Poland, where the labour market has faced headwinds from slower job creation and evolving sectoral demand. National statistics have shown that while the number of job vacancies remains stable, the structure of available positions often does not match the qualifications of registered job seekers. The Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy has not issued new policy announcements in response to the latest figures.
However, government agencies continue to monitor employment trends closely, particularly as seasonal fluctuations and regional disparities influence short-term labour market performance. Voivodeships in eastern Poland have historically registered higher unemployment rates compared to the more industrialized western and central regions. Poland’s labour force remains one of the most active in Central Europe, supported by strong participation rates and a growing base of vocational and technical education graduates.
EU harmonised data shows differing unemployment levels
Nonetheless, labour market challenges remain, particularly in sectors such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing, which are sensitive to cyclical economic shifts and demographic factors. No statement was issued by the Ministry regarding the breakdown of unemployment by age or education level for the month of September. Previous quarterly data from GUS indicated that youth unemployment and long-term unemployment remain areas of concern within broader employment trends. The latest figures are part of Poland’s monthly labour market reporting framework and will feed into upcoming national economic assessments.
The data also contributes to the European Union’s ongoing review of employment performance across member states. According to government reporting standards, unemployment levels are measured at the end of each calendar month and include individuals who meet statutory conditions for registration with labour offices, including readiness to take up employment and participation in activation programs. The data are subject to seasonal adjustments and are revised periodically based on administrative records and methodological updates. – By EuroWire News Desk.