The ‘Family 500 Plus’ programme, the hourly minimum wage of PLN 12, the amendment of the Labour Code and the Act on nutritional assistance are the key changes announced by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy.

In December 2015, the registered unemployment rate was 9.8 per cent. Such a good result at the end of the year has not been recorded since 2008.

Since 1 January 2016, the minimum wage which an employer must pay an employee working under the employment contract will be PLN 1850. This means an increase of PLN 100 compared to 2015. Therefore, an employee earning the national minimum wage will receive about PLN 1355 net. Lower wage would constitute a violation of employee rights.

The Central Statistical Office reports that in November this year the unemployment rate is 9.6 per cent. That is less than indicated by the estimates of the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy.

On the occasion of the upcoming Christmas, I would like to wish you all health, cheerfulness and strength every day. Family gives us support, safety and joy. May this Christmas time be filled with warmth and peace. Let's be together, talk, be moved and rejoice. Let's show our loved ones how important they are in our lives.

A draft act introducing the benefit of PLN 500 for families has been submitted to public consultation. Prime Minister Beata Szydło informed about this at the Christmas meeting with large families at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister.

The first meeting of the Social Dialogue Council was held on 14 December in the office of the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy. It was attended by Prime Minister Beata Szydło and Marshals of the Sejm and Senate.

Today, President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, appointed Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy, Elżbieta Rafalska, and Deputy Minister Stanisław Szwed, who is in charge of social dialogue at the Ministry, to the Social Dialogue Council.

In November this year, the unemployment rate was 9.7%, as indicated by the estimates of the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy. This is another month in which unemployment remains at a single-digit level.

Today, family celebration of Saint Nicholas' Day was hosted in the office of the Ministry. Elżbieta Rafalska, Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy, met with foster families and families with many children.