Poland is introducing a new public holiday on Christmas Eve (24 December), starting from 1 February 2025, according to a recent bill passed by the Polish Parliament. This bill also includes an update to the number of Sundays before Christmas Eve on which trade is allowed. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes:
Christmas Eve as a Public Holiday:
From 1 February 2025, Christmas Eve will become an official paid public holiday, increasing the total annual number of paid public holidays in Poland from 13 to 14. Work on public holidays is generally prohibited, except for certain circumstances such as shift work. If employees must work on a public holiday, they are entitled to:
- Regular pay for each hour worked.
- Either a day off in lieu or overtime pay (100% additional remuneration).
Changes to Shopping Sundays Before Christmas:
The 2018 Act bans trade on Sundays and public holidays in most retail businesses. However, it allows trade on certain Sundays before major holidays, known as “shopping Sundays.”
For the Christmas season, trade is currently allowed on two Sundays preceding Christmas Eve. Starting in 2025, trade will be allowed on the three Sundays before Christmas Eve, giving consumers more opportunities to shop. These Sundays are:
- 7, 14, and 21 December 2025.
Important Notes for Employers:
Retail Work Restrictions:Retail businesses must adhere to the updated law, which prohibits employees in retail sectors from working on all three Sundays before Christmas Eve. They can only work on two Sundays during this period. Employers should adjust employee schedules to ensure compliance with this rule.
Updating Policies and Payroll:Employers should update their internal policies and employment agreements to reflect the new public holiday and the changes regarding work on Sundays. Employers should also ensure proper payroll adjustments are made for employees working on the new public holiday (Christmas Eve) and the Sundays affected by the trading ban.
This bill has been signed into law on 24 December 2024, with full implementation set for 1 February 2025.
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