Internship Agreement Including Senior Internships Proposed for Workers Aged 50 and Over with Pay Up to 9,400 PLN
The Polish government has proposed a new internship bill that eliminates unpaid traineeships, introduces mandatory compensation up to 9,400 PLN, and establishes dedicated senior internship rules for...
The Polish government has proposed a new internship bill that eliminates unpaid traineeships, introduces mandatory compensation up to 9,400 PLN, and establishes dedicated senior internship rules for workers aged 50, 60, and older.
Table Of Content
Government Proposes New Senior Internships
The Government Plenipotentiary for Senior Policy has proposed introducing senior internships with a separate internship agreement for individuals aged 50, 60, and older to facilitate acquiring qualifications in new professions and support professional activity.
End of Unpaid Internships and New Regulations
The draft internship bill aims to regulate open-market internships to ensure high quality, provide educational components and vocational preparation, protect trainees’ rights, eliminate unpaid internships, and minimize the risk of replacing employment relationships with internships. The legislation will repeal the 2009 Graduate Internships Act.
Establishment of Senior Policy Teams
Marzena Okła-Drewnowicz, Secretary of State in the Chancellorship of the Prime Minister and Government Plenipotentiary for Senior Policy, appointed two teams to incorporate the experience of local governments, senior councils, and senior organizations into senior policy work and new regulations.
Key Rules of the Proposed Internship Agreement
Under the bill, internships will operate via a written civil-law contract where trainees are not classified as employees. The legislation mandates financial compensation up to approximately 9,400 PLN, with proportional pay for part-time schedules.
Working Hours, Benefits, and Penalties
The bill outlines working hours from 4 to 8 hours daily and up to 40 hours weekly, alongside paid days off. Organizers must ensure safe and hygienic working conditions, training, and equipment, while violations face fines ranging from 1,000 PLN to 30,000 PLN.
Criticism and Business Concerns
Experts, businesses, and government ministries have raised concerns that equating the internship agreement with an employment contract blurs the line between traineeships and regular employment, potentially reducing cooperation interest.