Unused annual leave: why 30 September matters in Poland
Poland’s Labour Inspectorate explains the deadline for granting carried-over annual leave. Here is what to check with your HR team.
Today, 30 September 2026, is an important deadline for carried-over annual leave. Poland’s Labour Inspectorate explains that leave unused in the previous year generally must be granted by this date.
Starting leave by the deadline
Its guidance says starting leave on 30 September is sufficient. The deadline has an exception concerning the on-demand leave portion. It should not be understood as automatically cancelling every unused day.
Check which year the days belong to
A practical first step is to request an HR breakdown by year. A single total in an employee application may not show how much is carried over. Compare the breakdown with applications and confirmations you already hold.
Do not authorize your own absence
The Inspectorate notes that employees cannot grant themselves outstanding leave. Contact your employer about the dates; do not assume that sending a message alone authorizes absence from work.
If records appear inconsistent, identify the year, number of days and document you are comparing. For an individual dispute, seek information from the Inspectorate or a qualified lawyer. This article summarizes general guidance rather than deciding a particular employment case.
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