One hallmark of Polish unemployment regulations introduced gradually from the early 1990s is that apart from protective actions i.e. unemployment benefits they make provision for instruments supporting professional activation of the unemployed. Throughout time the regulations concerning this matter evolved and new forms of support for the unemployed were introduced, taking into account the needs of the changing labour market. The necessity of tackling the challenges of the labour market in post-industrial economy, especially in terms of increasing employment flexibility, led to development and rise in significance of atypical employment forms. Such solutions are also used in encouraging professional activation of the unemployed. This study comprises analysis of three atypical employment practises: part-time employment, telework and temporary employment which apply to the unemployed in accordance with the rules of the Act of 20 April 2004 on employment promotion and on labour market institutions, regulations about job market instruments.