At the beginning of 2025, the subject returned to Poland ban on work on Sundaythat could affect the lives of millions of workers. After years of debate, protests and changes in regulations, introducing a ban on work on Sunday becomes 1 of the key themes in the Polish parliament. Is the upcoming bill a step towards Restoring Order in the labour market, whether it could make an avalanche of problems, especially in sectors specified as Trade, services is transport? It is worth looking at in item how these changes can affect the Polish economy and citizens.
Work ban on Sunday – past of changes in Poland
The first attempts to ban work on Sunday took place already in the 1990s, but yet the rules were relaxed in 2018, erstwhile restrictions were introduced only in the sector retail. Initially, the ban was only for larger shops and supermarkets, however, since 2020 the changes began to include smaller shops and Sunday was full recognised as a business-free day.
Under current regulations, ban on Sunday is valid in Poland commercial sector, but exceptions are possible, e.g. for online shops, fuel stations, pharmacies or bakeries. However, in 2025 it is announced Revision of provisions and extending the ban to another sectorswhich raises controversy and questions about further developments in the labour market.
Work ban on Sunday and economy
The ban on work on Sunday, if it enters into full force, can origin changes at many levels of the economy. 1 of the most crucial areas that can be affected is retail. From data Central Statistical Office it appears that in 2023 the value of retail sales in Poland was PLN 600 billion, about 25% of this sale It was for weekends, including Sundays. If the ban were to cover the full commercial sector, entrepreneurs would gotta adapt their sales strategies, which could lead to reduction in revenue.
In addition, Transport industry, which operates 24/7, could be affected by fresh rules, which would require changes in work schedules and increase the number of employees to meet the increasing demands of consumers.
Employment impact – will labour costs increase?
One of the main areas that may be affected by ban on Sunday, is the employment sector. Workers who have worked so far on Sunday may be forced to work on another days of the week, which may affect organisation of work and private life. Full ban on work on Sunday would require increasing the number of employees, which requires employment of fresh people and increased labour costs.
On the another hand, weekend workers can gain additional remuneration for work on Sunday, which may have a affirmative impact on their income. However, increase demand for labour on another days of the week may mean a higher burden for employers and increase in operating costs in any industries.
Social reactions and protests – who will gain and who will lose?
No work on Sunday met with mixed reactions from different social groups. On the 1 hand, employees and trade unions support specified a step, arguing that this is simply a way to improving the quality of lifeallowing families to spend more time together. On the another hand, entrepreneurs in peculiar in the commercial sector and transport They fear that the ban on Sunday will negatively affect their income and Competitiveness in the market.
According to data Polish Agency for Enterprise Development, sector entrepreneurs e-commerce and supply services have already shown concerns about necessity changes in work schedules, which may lead to delays in the execution of contracts and higher operating costs. any employers indicate that the introduction of specified a ban will increase bureaucracy and complicate business management, especially in the case of large commercial networks.
Is the ban on Sunday needed?
In favour of a ban on work on Sunday, the main reason for this is the welfare of workers and health. From data Ministry of Labour It appears that excessive working hours may lead to occupational burnout and wellness problems, as reflected in increasingly advanced treatment costs employees. A ban on work on Sunday would aim to guarantee remainder and balance between work and private life.
On the another hand, the request to adapt to the fresh strategy involves risks negative consequences economic, especially for tiny and medium-sized enterprises. Polish economy is mostly based on the sector retailand the introduction of a full ban could lead to occupation losses and a simplification in income in this sector.
Read more:
Labor Ban Act on Sunday: Another revolution?
