Significant slowdown in wage growth in the enterprise sector. New data from GUS
Recent data from GUS indicates a notable decline in wage growth in Poland's enterprise sector, raising concerns about the overall labor market situation.
The latest data released by the Polish Central Statistical Office (GUS) reveals a significant slowdown in wage growth within the enterprise sector, with average wage dynamics reported at 7.1% year-on-year, marking the lowest rate since February 2021. This figure stands well below economists' expectations and illustrates a clear decline compared to December 2025's 8.6% growth. Such discrepancies highlight the uncertainty surrounding wage trends and suggest a potential reversal back to declining growth rates.
The report points to changes in employment rates within the enterprise sector as a contributing factor to the overall labor market situation. The pronounced dip in wage growth is raising questions about the sustainability of previous economic enthusiasm, particularly as businesses may hesitate to increase salaries amid economic uncertainty. Experts speculate that the recent spike in wages seen in December 2025 may have been a temporary effect driven by year-end bonuses and holiday pay, rather than a trend of sustained wage growth.
Looking ahead, there are concerns about the pressure on wages amid a potential economic recovery in the coming years. As the labor market adapts to new dynamics, the balance between inflation, employment rates, and wage growth will be closely monitored. Analysts will need to observe how these trends evolve, especially in light of a changing economic landscape that may affect consumer spending and overall confidence in the labor market.