13.04.2020

OPINION OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF LABOR COOPERATIVES WITH PROPOSALS FOR SPECIFIC MEASURES TO SUPPORT SPECIALIZED ENTERPRISES AND COOPERATIONS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

In connection with the discussion of the change of Decree 55 / 30.03.2020 in the Council for Tripartite Cooperation, the National Council of Labor Cooperatives reiterates its strong support for the efforts of the whole society for overcoming the socio-economic problems arising from the pandemic with the Coronavirus . In order to achieve more definitive results, we believe that it is imperative to identify specific and specific measures in support of the most vulnerable group of employers in the country - specialized enterprises and cooperatives of persons with disabilities. There are incentives in the Bulgarian legislation that create the necessary mechanisms for interaction with these economic agents. The specific proposals of the NC of LC are as follows:

1. Temporary increase in the amount of the social security contributions paid by the Agency for People with Disabilities from 50 to 100% for a period of 1 year.
2. For the period of validity of the previous measure, the period for payment of reimbursed social security contributions by the Agency for People with Disabilities shall be up to 2 months.
3. Priority purchase by the state, municipalities and their structures of production of specialized enterprises for people with disabilities related to overcoming the crisis.
4. Supporting small municipalities in Bulgaria with state budget funds for targeted funding for the purchase of personal protective equipment manufactured by specialized enterprises and cooperatives of people with disabilities.
5. Provide for extensions and reliefs in respect of the monthly VAT declaration and payment obligations for specialized enterprises. Deferral of payment of all public liabilities or reversing the effects of late payments to specialized entities. Rescheduling of payment of taxes - VAT, insurance, local taxes and fees with at least 6 months after the end of the state of emergency.
6. Providing a one-off grant for specialized enterprises.
7. Priority lending of interest-free loans to specialized enterprises and cooperatives of people with disabilities.

The NC of LC believes that these measures would preserve the viability of specialized enterprises and cooperatives for people with disabilities, enabling them to continue to play their significant social role in ensuring employment and social integration of people with disabilities in Bulgaria.