Attention to Ukrainians in Poland: ZUS checks the conditions of employees
In Poland, checks on employed Ukrainians have been intensified. The ZUS system automatically identifies suspicious cases where there is a risk of fictitious employment contracts. Particular attention is paid to those who simultaneously work under an employment contract (umowa o pracę) and a civil law contract (umowa zlecenia). This was reported by the publication In Poland.
How the ZUS check system works
ZUS uses an IT algorithm that selects contributors with an increased risk of violations. Most often, situations are checked when one person works for two employers at the same time or when there is a connection between these employers.
If an employee performs additional work for the same employer who has already officially employed them, ZUS requires full social contributions to be paid for both contracts.
Who is under special supervision
Cases where family members hire pregnant women have come under close scrutiny. The institution believes that such contracts are often intended solely to obtain maternity benefits.
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whether the salary corresponds to the position;
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whether the employee appeared in the position shortly before sick leave or maternity leave;
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whether a contract has been signed solely to obtain social benefits.
If it turns out that the agreement is fictitious, ZUS will declare it invalid. In this case, insurance years will not be counted, and the person will be removed from the list of insurers.
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Consequences for employers
In addition to employees, fines also threaten employers. Significant financial penalties can be imposed for false data or fictitious contracts, and in serious cases, the matter is referred to the prosecutor's office. ZUS usually starts checking before granting assistance – especially if it concerns sick leave or maternity leave immediately after signing an employment contract.
Employment expert Vitaliy Belenets notes that such checks are not random.
«ZUS is actively fighting fictitious contracts that are used to obtain social benefits. Ukrainians should pay close attention to the arrangement of labor relations, as even a short-term fictitious contract can lead to financial penalties and loss of the right to legal work», — explained Belenets.
ZUS (Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych) is a government institution that controls social insurance in Poland.
Earlier we wrote that Ukrainians living in Poland will be checked for employment every month.
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