Unpaid leave request (wniosek o urlop bezpłatny)

Published byDocMuse

An employee's written request for unpaid leave in Poland: dates, number of days and reason. The employer may grant it but does not have to; there is space for the decision on the same sheet. Unpaid leave does not count towards the service on which employee entitlements depend, and for leave over three months the parties can agree that the employee may be recalled earlier for important reasons.

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Common questions

Does the employer have to grant unpaid leave?

No. Unpaid leave is granted on the employee's written request (art. 174 § 1 of the Labour Code), but the decision is the employer's and a refusal needs no reason. The exception is where a specific statute gives a right to unpaid leave, for example to hold certain elected offices.

What does unpaid leave mean for length of service and insurance?

Unpaid leave does not count towards the service on which employee entitlements depend (art. 174 § 2 of the Labour Code), so it can delay, for example, reaching the higher leave entitlement. The employer pays no contributions for that time, and the right to public healthcare lapses 30 days after insurance ends unless there is another ground for cover.

Can an employee come back from unpaid leave early?

Only with the employer's agreement or where this was arranged. For leave longer than three months the parties may provide that the employee can be recalled for important reasons (art. 174 § 3 of the Labour Code). Returning early at the employee's wish needs the employer's agreement.