Polish experts advise contractors to immediately request confirmation of completed work, as proving employment history can impact future benefits and leave.
Documenting Professional Activity is Crucial
Demonstrating professional activity is essential, as the period of contract work now holds increased significance regarding future employment rights.
When a contract involves social insurance contributions, the duration can be confirmed with a certificate from the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS). However, if contributions weren’t paid, ZUS won’t issue a certificate, requiring alternative documentation.
The Importance of a Confirmation Certificate
Employers often question the validity of a contract as proof of employment, especially for long-term or indefinite agreements, making it difficult to determine the actual duration of work.
Obtaining a confirmation certificate from the client, detailing the collaboration period, is a good solution, but it’s voluntary and can be challenging for employers to provide retrospectively.
Request Certification Immediately After Completion
It’s significantly easier to obtain a certificate immediately after the contract ends, when the employer has easy access to the necessary documents.
Don’t postpone this step, as retrieving information and documents after two or three years can be time-consuming and difficult for the employer.
Contract Work and Employment History
Changes to regulations regarding employee seniority have increased the importance of contract work as a period of professional activity that can influence future employment benefits.
If social security contributions were not paid during the contract, the contractor will need to prove their activity with other reliable documents, such as the contract itself, invoices, proof of transfer, or a PIT settlement.