In January 2026, new data from the Central Statistical Office of Poland (GUS) revealed a slight decrease in average employment figures within the business sector, showing a 0.2% drop compared to December 2025. This decline raises concerns about the employment landscape as companies appear to be tightening their operations amid uncertain economic conditions. Additionally, the year-on-year statistics show a more pronounced decrease of 0.8% in average employment, indicating that companies are adjusting their workforce in response to changing market demands.

The financial aspect is equally troubling, as the average gross monthly salary in the business sector fell by 6.1% compared to December 2025. However, when compared to January 2025, there was a nominal increase of 6.1%. This juxtaposition highlights the challenges faced by employees, as they are experiencing decreased salaries relative to the recent past while the nominal annual increase may not sufficiently counteract the current economic pressures.

The implications of these trends are significant for the Polish economy. The reduction in jobs and salaries may affect consumer confidence and spending, leading to further economic contractions if the trend continues. This data serves as an indicator of broader economic conditions and may necessitate policy responses to support both employment stability and wage growth in the coming months.