Poland: Protected employment for disabled workers faces problems

The number of special "protected labour companies" employing people with disabilities has fallen sharply in recent years, as public subsidies have been cut and rules changed, and in 2008 their future seems to be in some doubt.

Under the terms of the Act of 27 August 1997 on the rights of disabled employees and rights and obligations of employers employing the disabled, companies with at least 20 employees may apply for the status of "protected labour company" if:

• at least 40% of their employees are registered disabled;
• their premises meet specified standards, for example in terms of accessibility for disabled people; and
• they provide medical care, counselling, guidance and rehabilitation services.