Which categories of workers most often lost their jobs in Poland in 2026

In Poland in 2026, the number of unemployed increased, and the most job losses were among middle-aged people with working or basic professional skills. Statistics show that the problem affected various population groups, but certain categories suffered more. This is reported by InPoland.

Unemployment in Poland 2026: general indicators

In March 2026, the unemployment rate was 6.1% - the highest figure since 2021. Annually, the number of unemployed increased by almost 120,000 people.

At the same time, compared to February, the number of unemployed slightly decreased - by approximately 5,100.

Most of the new unemployed are people who had previously worked:

• 99,600 people lost their jobs

• 20,400 registered without work experience.

Who most often lost their jobs in Poland

The largest increase in unemployment was recorded among middle-aged individuals.

Main groups:

• 35–44 years - +32,000 people

• 45–54 years - +33,000 people.

Among the youth, the figures are lower:

• under 24 years - +22,000

• 25–34 years - +22,000.

The lowest increase in unemployment was recorded among older people (55–74 years) - about 11,500.

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Which workers lost their jobs the most

The most vulnerable were people with a lower level of education.

The highest unemployment growth was recorded among:

• people with incomplete secondary education - +40,400

• workers with vocational education - +26,200.

There was also an increase in the number of unemployed among people with secondary education - by 16,000.

In addition, over the year, the number of layoffs due to reductions increased by another 3,500 people.

As of March 2026, among the unemployed, there are more men - 51% of the total.

The average profile of the unemployed in Poland is a person aged 35–54 years, who previously worked, lives in a city, and has vocational or secondary education.

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