EN
The article deals with the issue of unemployment among problem groups in the labour market. The aforementioned groups are characterised by a relatively high rate of unemployment, which translates into their being particularly prone to and dominant in unemployment. The aim of this article is to discuss the situation of the following groups in the labour market in Poland: the young unemployed below 25 years of age, unemployed women, individuals of poor education and those remaining unemployed over a long period of time. An attempt has been made to find out whether the situation of these groups has improved in the years 2005 and 2010 in relation to the year 2000. The article presents reasons for unemployment in each of the groups along with possibilities of improving their positions in the labour market through application of labour market activation measures. Differentiation has been carried out between demand and supply-oriented measures, as well as special programmes. The author also discusses the roles of the above mentioned instruments and emphasizes the importance of the Poviat Employment Agencies in raising employment opportunities and reducing unemployment among the problem groups.