By Marc van Ling

Poland is on a growth trajectory that could see it outpace the UK in the coming years. But there is a catch: unless recruitment becomes easier, businesses may struggle to find the talent needed to keep pace with this growth.

Poland’s Economic Momentum

In 2025, Poland’s economy is expected to grow around 3.2–3.3 percent, above the EU average. Cities like Warsaw are leading this growth, offering jobs across IT, manufacturing, and professional services.

Unemployment in Poland is relatively low at 5.7 percent, while Warsaw’s rate is just 1.6 percent, reflecting a tight labour market in the capital. Over 1 million foreign workers, mostly Ukrainians, are contributing to the workforce, helping to meet demand in key sectors.

This combination of growth and low unemployment is positive for the economy, but it also means finding skilled workers is becoming more difficult.

Recruitment: The Key to Sustained Growth

Poland’s economic advantage depends on its ability to match demand for talent with available skills. If businesses struggle to fill roles, growth could slow, even if GDP numbers remain strong.

Migration patterns are shifting, with fewer Poles living in the UK and more international workers moving to Warsaw and other cities. Companies that invest in training, upskilling, and recruitment processes are better positioned to thrive.

In short, talent availability is the bottleneck. Without easier recruitment, Poland’s economic growth could hit a ceiling.

UK Perspective

The UK continues to face recruitment challenges in IT, engineering, and logistics, partly due to post-Brexit rules. While Poland is attracting talent and expanding, UK businesses are having to rethink how they access and develop skilled workers.

Bottom Line

Poland is set to outgrow the UK in economic terms, but its success depends on recruitment. Making it easier for companies to find and develop the right talent, particularly in cities like Warsaw, will determine whether this growth is fully realised.

For businesses and policymakers, the focus should be on people, skills, and accessible recruitment, because growth alone is not enough.