14.09.2023

NEARLY 13,400 UNEMPLOYED PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES HAVE STARTED WORK WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE OP HRD 2014-2020

A total of 13,373 unemployed people with disabilities started work under measures financed under the Operational Program "Human Resources Development" 2014-2020. Nearly 70% of them - 9,351 unemployed people - were included in the "Training and Employment" operation, which is with a budget of BGN 210.5 million. The measure is implemented in the period 2015-2023. Its main goal is to provide employment to unemployed people over the age of 29 who are registered at the labor offices. If necessary, they are included in a different type of training before being directed to a specific workplace.

The measure is implemented in two components by the Employment Agency. During the implementation of Component 1, more than 18,000 inactive people and unemployed people over the age of 29 are included in subsidized employment for a period of up to 12 months or in training for the professional qualification "Digital competence" or "Communication in foreign languages". People with primary or lower education, long-term unemployed and unemployed people over the age of 54 received priority support.

Under Component 2, a total of 9,351 inactive and unemployed people with at least 75% reduced working capacity are directed to vacant jobs that do not require training or are included in courses to acquire key competences. They are employed full-time or part-time, and upon starting a job, they are provided with a mentor for a period of up to 3 months. Remunerations for people with permanent disabilities for a period of up to 24 months are provided under the "Training and Employment" measure. Employers who keep their jobs after subsidized employment ends receive a one-time incentive of six minimum wages to pay their wages.