Influence of social security benefits on the labour market in Poland

Abstract

The aim of the article is to analyse the influence of social security benefits on the labour market. The research methods applied were analysis (considering the influence of social security benefits on the labour market), synthesis (research conclusions based on the detailed results) and interpretation (clarifying the results). The research tool was a questionnaire. The main aim of the questionnaire was to gain information about the relation between the amount of social security benefits and the willingness to work and take up employment. The types of social security benefits are described and the author tries to answer the question whether these benefits positively or negatively influence the employment decision. The hypothesis is that social security benefits are reducing the labour supply. The results can help in better understanding the family and income situations of residents and enable the formulation of the effects of social security benefits on the labour market. The study shows that people who receive social security benefits demonstrate a low interest in taking up employment. They prefer to support their household exclusively from welfare benefits rather than lose the entitlement to benefits by taking up employment. A considerable group of respondents (in particular those receiving high social security benefits) admit that taking up employment is not in their plans.