The worrying reality of the Kraków labour market
The labour market in Krakow was still stable recently, but the data show an avalanche increase in redundancies and an increase in the number of candidates for individual posts. On the one hand, the offices report "low unemployment", on the other hand, there are no real, attractive announcements. Many residents resign from registration as unemployed people – they prefer to act on their own, trying their forces on the announced portals.
Scandalous announcements and free internships
A big discussion was triggered by the announcement about the internship of computer graphics in Kraków-Bronowice, which offers... even three months of work for free.Only after that was promised a minimum paid internship funded by the labor office. The offer includes "the soul of the artist", "creativity", "the desire to develop", and in return – without remuneration and the possibility of studying permanently.
Source from OLX:https://www.olx.pl/offer/job/staz-graphic-computer-CID4-IDRlNMP.html
Typical requirements in this type of offer:
- Minimum basic knowledge of graphic programs
- No employment relationship in another company
- Flexibility and readiness for hybrid work
- Trial consent, free work (2-3 months)
- After this period: paid internship from the office of employment
Mass exemptions and competition for each offer
According to the GUP data only until September 2025, employers in Krakow announced their intention to release as many as 3.9 thousand employees – this is much more than a year earlier. IT, finance and biotechnology are the most affected. The creative and marketing services sector represents a clear regression.
As a result, even a few hundred people apply for one ad online. Many candidates send hundreds of CVs a month, often receiving no reply. This excess of volunteers causes some employers to "test" candidates through free trial periods or pay minimum rates.
Comparison of the labour market:
| Year | Unemployment rate Kraków | Number of registered unemployed | Group exemptions (year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2,1-2,2% | ~10 657 | 2 800 |
| 2025* | 2,2-2,5% | ~11 291 | 3 900 |
* Data for September-October 2025.
Why is unemployment "low" and there is no work?
Many residents no longer believe in the effectiveness of labour offices – they do not register as unemployedThey try to find work on their own or emigrate. Official indicators do not reflect the real situation of people who have been without income for months.
In practice, registration in offices provides limited support and blocks access to popular practices, such as engaging in free internships or short-term contracts without a contract.
How do you get out of a free internship trap?
It is worth looking for offers that clearly define conditions and pay from the first days of work. The transparency and honesty of the employer is the basis today.In turn, announcements that offer only "development opportunities" or "flexibility" without a wage guarantee should give special vigilance.
Practical tips:
- Bet on ads with bright pay tips
- Determine whether a free trial is not a way to work free
- Check your employer reviews online
- Consider working with the agency or registering at the office to have access to formal internships
The trap of free practices and huge competition in the labour market make young and capable increasingly difficult in Krakow. Without real changes in corporate approach and state support, unemployment will only deepen – although official statistics indicate otherwise.
