7.10.2024 Labour law

[Poland] Special Flood Act: aid for affected companies


The floods have deprived countless entities and individuals of the ability to act. In order to provide immediate and necessary assistance, the government has prepared a special act. On 4 October, it was published in the Journal of Laws. The act provides support to companies affected by the floods and their employees. What solutions does it provide?

Support for employers after the flood

Thanks to the quickly adopted regulations, entrepreneurs from flood-affected areas can count on additional support, including:

  • reimbursement of costs of maintaining current jobs,
  • support in employment, possibility of receiving reimbursement of costs for employing unemployed people,
  • easier payments, no penalties or interest in case of failure to pay contributions on time,
  • flexibility in conducting trade, exemption from the ban on trading on Sundays (except for Sundays on which a holiday falls),
  • cancellation of earlier refunds, possibility of cancellation of earlier refund for equipment or additional equipment of workstations.

Support for workers from flood areas

The act also introduces a number of facilities for employees living in flood-affected areas. The most important solutions include:

  • 20 days of 100% paid leave from work for flood victims who are struggling to remove its effects,
  • double the amount of leave on demand, i.e. up to 8 days of leave on demand and the possibility of dividing it into hours,
  • flexible working hours, option to request a reduction in working hours to a maximum of half-time, the employer will only be able to refuse in exceptional situations,
  • safety at work, employees are to be guaranteed that they will not have to work overtime or go on business trips,
  • simplified procedures for periodic inspections and occupational health and safety.

Support in employment of people with disabilities

The State Fund for the Rehabilitation of Disabled People (PFRON) will also help people with disabilities rebuild their lives after the flood. The fund will allocate funds for:

  • maintaining jobs,
  • adaptation of infrastructure,
  • purchase of equipment,
  • subsidizing loans.

Additionally, in order to facilitate the activities of entities supported by PFRON, payment deadlines are extended. This is to help maintain current jobs for people with disabilities.

What other solutions are included in the special act?

The new regulations also introduce an additional care allowance. If a nursery, school or other educational facility attended by a child or a disabled person (including an adult) has been destroyed, is not operating, is undergoing renovation or reconstruction, then parents or guardians will receive additional leave from work for the period of their closure. During this period, they will receive 80% of the salary.

The Special Flood Act entered into force on 5 October 2024.


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