It has been exactly one year since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the effects of which are felt all over Europe. The shattered sense of security and rising inflation are a great challenge for all of us. - In this difficult time, the role of the government is to ensure the greatest possible stability of citizens’ lives. Therefore, we consistently implement all social programmes, therefore, we launch further instruments to support Poles, also here – in Podkarpacie – says the Minister of Family and Social Policy Marlena Maląg.

On Tuesday, the legislation came into force which defines the rules for sobriety checks in the workplace. The regulations in this area have been developed by the Ministry of Family and Social Policy. An employer will have the right to measure the alcohol content in the body using a breathalyser.

The Minister of Family and Social Policy Marlena Maląg presented in the Sejm the information about the results of government programmes supporting local governments in implementing tasks for families, seniors and persons with disabilities.

The Chancellery of the Prime Minister held the Warsaw Conference - Permanent Working Review Conference on Support for Ukraine. Minister Marlena Maląg participated in the discussion panel of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration „Support for citizens of Ukraine fleeing the war”.

According to the data from the EU statistical office, the unemployment rate in Poland stood at 2.9% in December when compared to 3% in November. The lower rate was recorded only by the Czech Republic – 2.3%, and the equal one – by Germany.

From 1 February, parents and guardians may submit applications for 500+ for the new benefit period. Submitting the application by the end of April guarantees the continuity of payment of benefits. The support in the amount of PLN 500 is granted for each child under 18, regardless of family income.

The „Active+” Programme is a government subsidy programme for non-governmental sector organisations, implemented by the Ministry of Family and Social Policy.

On Wednesday, a press briefing was held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Social Policy with the participation of Deputy Minister Paweł Wdówik, Government Plenipotentiary for Disabled People, Dorota Habich - Deputy President of the Board for Programme Affairs, State Fund for Rehabilitation of Disabled People (PFRON) and Tomasz Maruszewski - Deputy President of the Board for Financial Affairs, PFRON.

The Warsaw Stock Exchange presented the report „Reskilling” on reskilling of Polish employees. The presentation was accompanied by a debate „Reskilling of employees, corporate social responsibility or a solution to the absence of specialists?”, attended by Barbara Socha, Government Plenipotentiary for Demographic Policy.

President Andrzej Duda signed the Act permanently introducing remote work to the Labour Code. The issues of sobriety checks of employees were also regulated. – This is an important step towards creating a modern labour market, responding to the changing needs of both employers and employees, including employees being parents – says the Minister of Family and Social Policy Marlena Maląg.