The inaugural meeting of the Senior Policy Council took place on 18 May in the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy. Minister Elżbieta Rafalska presented appointments to members of the Council. Prof. Józefa Hrynkiewicz became the President of the Council. Deputy Minister Elżbieta Bojanowska also took part in the meeting.

On Sunday, 15 May, we will celebrate the next anniversary of the International Day of Families proclaimed by the United Nations. On this occasion, the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy, Elżbieta Rafalska, extended her wishes to families.

The draft amendment to Directive 96/71/EC on the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services proposed by the European Commission met with opposition from national parliaments of 11 countries, including Poland.

On 26 April, Minister Elżbieta Rafalska met with Michel Servoz, Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, in the office of the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy. Secretary of State Stanisław Szwed and Undersecretary of State Renata Szczęch also participated in the talks. 

Between 21 and 24 April 2016, Mr Li Liguo, Minister of Civil Affairs of the People's Republic of China (MCA), paid a visit to Poland. Its goal is to develop bilateral cooperation between the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy and the MCA, including further involvement of both sides in the EU-China Social Protection Reform Project.

On 19 and 20 April this year, an informal meeting of Ministers for Employment and Social Policy of the EU Member States is held in Amsterdam. The leader of the Polish delegation is Minister Elżbieta Rafalska.

Today, the fourth Polish-Czech intergovernmental consultations took place in Warsaw. The meeting was attended, among others, by Minister Elżbieta Rafalska and deputy ministers: Renata Szczęch and Stanisław Szwed.

The ‘Family 500 plus’ programme starts on 1 April. The application for child benefit can be submitted in the commune, through Poczta Polska and the Internet. In order to receive the benefit from 1 April, the application must be submitted by 1 July inclusive. After this period, it will be paid from the month of application.

On the upcoming Easter, we would like to wish you peace, calmness and pleasant moments spent with your family. 

The Act on the posting of workers has been adopted by the Council of Ministers. Changes concern, inter alia, determination of the principles of employee protection and the cooperation of the National Labour Inspectorate with similar institutions in other countries.