Poland’s job market continues to perform well, with a record-low unemployment rate of 2.7% in June, according to Eurostat. This places Poland second in the European Union, tied with the Czech Republic and surpassed only by Malta. Minister Marlena Maląg attributes this success to the government’s effective labor market policies.
National statistics also reflect the positive trend, with the unemployment rate reaching 5% in June, down from 5.1% the previous month. Compared to pre-pandemic levels, the current registered unemployment rate is 0.5 percentage points lower.
However, the job market is facing concerns over the next five years. A report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) predicts that while employers will create 69 million new job opportunities, they will also eliminate 83 million positions, resulting in a net loss of 14 million jobs. Factors contributing to job losses include slower economic growth and increasing living costs, as confirmed by the World Bank. Furthermore, the greater utilization of new technologies and AI may automate certain job roles.
Despite the challenges, certain sectors are expected to experience growth in job opportunities. The green transformation and adoption of environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) standards will lead to increased job demand in fields such as AI and machine learning specialists, sustainable development experts, business intelligence analysts, fintech engineers, scientists, robotics engineers, big data analysts, agricultural equipment operators, digital transformation specialists, and blockchain developers.
While Poland’s labor market currently enjoys a low unemployment rate, the next five years may present both challenges and opportunities. Employers must adapt to technological advancements while fostering the growth of green and sustainable sectors. Preparing the workforce for changing skill demands will be crucial to ensure a successful transition into the future job market.