20.05.2024

NEARLY 10,000 UNEMPLOYED PEOPLE WILL START WORK UNDER THE NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT ACTION PLAN IN 2024

The government adopted the National Employment Action Plan in 2024. It foresees 9,926 unemployed people to start work under programs, projects and measures, and over 9,000 people to be included in training to become more competitive in the labor market . The financing of the planned activities will be within the approved funds from the state budget for active labor market policy - BGN 88 million, which is BGN 15 million more than in 2023.

As a result of the implementation of the actions, programs, projects and measures set out in the plan in 2024, the unemployment rate is expected to decrease to 4%, and employment in the 20-64 age group to reach 77%.

Key employment policy priorities in 2024 include promoting employment and reducing unemployment, including among disadvantaged groups in the labor market. An important focus is increasing the quality of the workforce in the context of the digitalization of the economy and the just transition to climate neutrality.

The wages of the unemployed included in full-time subsidized employment will be in line with the minimum wage and will be increased from BGN 780 to BGN 933. The wages of young people included in the "Start a Career" program will also increase (from BGN 920 BGN per BGN 1,100); of youth and Roma mediators (from BGN 950 to BGN 1,140); of psychologists and case managers working under the National Program "Activation of Inactive Persons" (from BGN 1,070 to BGN 1,280).

In 2024, the implementation of the incentive measure under Art. 36 of the Employment Promotion Act. According to the order of the measure, employers are encouraged to hire unemployed persons from disadvantaged groups in the labor market, by providing funds for labor remuneration, social and health insurance, funds for vocational training and funds for a responsible person (mentor). This measure envisages employment for up to 9 months for 1,000 unemployed and training for 100 people.

According to the Regional Employment Programs of the 28 regions, 1,950 unemployed people are expected to start work. Under the "Beautiful Bulgaria" project, 300 people will be employed in the field of construction.