In recent months, the topic of employment agency rates has increasingly come up in conversations between companies and employment service providers. At first glance, the differences of a few zlotys per man-hour may seem small - but in practice they determine whether the cooperation is legal, safe and long-term, or just a temporary "cheap solution." It is worth knowing what is really behind the price offered by labor agencies and why some of them can afford surprisingly low rates.
In the temporary labor industry, a seemingly lower rate often comes with a hidden price - and literally.
What does the labor agency rate actually include?
In the case of a responsible agency, every zloty has its justification. The man-hour rate includes, among other things:
- gross remuneration of the employee including full Social Security contributions and taxes,
- recruitment and selection costs of candidates,
- costs of legalization of stay and work of foreigners,
- medical examinations, health and safety training, protective measures,
- coordination, administration, personnel support and care of the coordinator,
- accommodation and transportation (if required by the client).
Each of these elements is mandatory, if employment is to be legal.
Therefore, a legal agency cannot go below a certain rate without sacrificing quality or, even worse, legality.
⚠️ "Cheaper" doesn't always mean better
There are still players in the market that offer rates that are impossible to maintain at full employment. How do they do it?
Most often, they come into play:
- underreporting of gross pay and contributions,
- payments "under the table",
- Civil law contracts instead of employment contracts,
- bogus self-employment,
- Failure to report foreigners to Social Security and authorities.
From the outside, everything looks fine - the company gets an invoice and people work.
The problem begins at the time of the inspection.
When does a cheap offer become a risk?
If the labor inspection or Social Security finds irregularities, liability may also fall on the company contracting the work.
According to the regulations, if the company actually used illegally employed foreigners, may face financial consequences along with the agency.
Risks include, but are not limited to:
- administrative penalties up to PLN 50,000,
- joint and several liability for unpaid contributions,
- the need to pay outstanding taxes,
- and in extreme cases - loss of the right to cooperate with foreigners.
It's worth asking yourself: is saving a few zlotys per hour of work really worth it?
Responsible agency - how to recognize it?
A trusted employment agency does not promise miracles. It does not compete on price, but security and transparency.
A responsible HR partner:
✅ provides full costing,
✅ employs workers under legal conditions,
✅ is registered with the KRAZ (National Register of Employment Agencies),
✅ takes care of documentation, legalization and timeliness of applications,
✅ ensures continuous contact with the coordinator.
This is how the NJOB works - fully legal, transparent and with respect for regulations that protect both employer and employee.
Cooperation with an employment agency is not just "man-hours on the invoice."
It's trust, security and the assurance that every employee hired is legally reported, insured and properly billed.
At NJOB, we believe that cheaper doesn't mean better - better means safer.
Because in a world of new regulations and increasing penalties, only honest and responsible cooperation gives true peace of mind.
Click to contact us.