15.07.2021
THE TERM FOR INTEREST-FREE LOANS HAS BEEN EXTENDED
The government has decided to extend the application period for the Interest-Free Financing Program for Individuals, implemented by the Bulgarian Development Bank (BDB). The loans are for the protection of people deprived of the opportunity to work due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The term is extended until August 31 or until the expiration of the guarantee limits for financing by the partner banks, whichever occurs earlier.
The decision is dictated by the fact that five of the commercial banks that have concluded financial agreements with BDB are still financing under the Program. Judging by their pace, if the application period is not extended, the warranty limit will remain free and unused.
A change in the decision of the cabinet from 2020 was also adopted - for BDB to become a sole joint-stock company. The decision will help the effective implementation of the Program assigned to BDB to overcome the consequences of the pandemic.
14.07.2021
WHAT BENEFITS DOES THE EMPLOYER DUE WHEN SENDING A BUSINESS?
Upon posting, the employee has the right to receive not only his gross salary but also travel, daily and accommodation money under conditions and in amounts specified in the Ordinance on business trips in the country and in the Ordinance on business trips and specializations abroad. On the basis of the indicated normative acts the employer issues an order for business trip in the country or abroad. The posting order shall specify the daily, travel and accommodation allowances to which the posted worker or employee is entitled.
Compensation for relocation - Art. 216 CT
The employer owes compensation to the employee in case of "relocation" in the following cases:
In order for the employer to be obliged to pay the employee the relocation costs (travel expenses for him and his family members, the costs of moving his furniture, remuneration for the days of travel and for another 2 days) it is necessary to achieve agreement. Therefore, the obligation of this benefit is made conditional - only if an agreement has been reached between the parties to the employment relationship.
For the return of the employee to his/her permanent residence, the employer may pay the travel expenses for him/her and his/her family members and the expenses for the transfer of the furniture, when an agreement has been reached between the parties.
The employee is entitled to compensation in the amount of the relocation costs. When the distance to the settlement of the new job is over 100 kilometers and the relocation is for a period of more than 1 year, the employee is paid the agreed one-month salary for the new job and remuneration of one quarter of the same amount for each family member, supported by the employee.
In this case, it is not necessary to reach an agreement between the parties. The benefit is a subjective right of the employee and is paid by the employer with whom the employee is transferred to work.
The compensations under art. 216 LC are not subject to taxation.
14.07.2021
MINIMAL MONEY IS TAKEN BY EVERY THIRD UNEMPLOYED BULGARIAN
Every third unemployed person in our country receives the minimum unemployment benefit. This is shown by data from the National Social Security Institute for last year. Nearly 40 percent of the unemployed people received from BGN 15 to BGN 25 per day. Compared to 2019, the number of people with such benefits has more than doubled, and their share of the total number of recipients has increased by 12.9 percentage points.
With a maximum benefit - of BGN 74.29 per day, in 2020 there were only 5.3% of all unemployed. Their number has even decreased by 5.1% compared to the previous year. 71.5% of all those receiving the maximum amount have a benefit granted under European regulations. This means that these people worked abroad, where they also received higher salaries. Most often, minimal compensation was received by workers whose contracts were terminated at their request or with their consent, explain the experts of the National Social Security Institute.
The amount of unemployment benefits in our country is determined per day. It is 60% of the average daily remuneration or the average daily income on which the employee's social security contributions have been paid for the previous 24 months. The compensation cannot be less than the minimum and higher than the maximum daily amount, which is determined each year by the law on the state social security budget. Last year, the unemployed received a minimum of BGN 9 per day, but from October 1, 2020, due to the pandemic, the threshold was increased to BGN 12 per day. The maximum daily amount of unemployment benefits for 2019 and 2020 is BGN 74.29.
The crisis with COVID-19 has dealt the most serious blow to the labor market in the capital, according to NSSI data. It is in Sofia that most people received unemployment benefits in 2020 - 13.8% of all eligible. Compared to 2019, their share has increased by 5.8 percentage points. In absolute terms, the increase in this area in 2020 (31,555) is 2.7 times compared to 2019 (11,736).
People with long experience are most affected
People with long insurance experience have been most severely affected by the effects of measures to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the NSSI analysis.
It is the number of people with more than 15 years of experience that increases the most among those who received unemployment benefits in 2020. They are entitled to the longest period of receiving benefits - 12 months. Their number has more than doubled, and their share in the total number of persons entitled to compensation has increased by 5.1 percentage points.
The number of people with unemployment benefits in 2020 is increasing compared to the previous year in all groups, with the most people with a length of service of 3 years and 1 day to 7 years. They are entitled to compensation for a period of 6 months. Their share is 23.2%, and compared to 2019 it has decreased by 1.9 points. n. In absolute terms, their number has increased by 43.9% compared to 2019.
14.07.2021
DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH IN JOB ADVERTISEMENTS - IS THE ECONOMY REVIVING?
There is a double-digit growth in job advertisements in all sectors, according to a study by a company engaged in career development, and in some sectors it is even three-digit. The most noticeable is the enthusiasm in the IT sector, where the number of job offers has increased by 110% compared to June 2020, the data show. Job ads in June exceeded 50,000, an increase of 67% on an annual basis. Compared to the previous month of May, however, there is a slight decline of 4%, according to the monthly analysis of the labor market of the HR company. What does this mean for our economy and is this trend positive? Since the beginning of the pandemic, the IT sector has been among the most stable, with a decline in demand for new staff only in the months of the second lockdown (November and December 2020), when all other industries were negatively affected. Second and third in growth are the sectors "Logistics and Transport" and "Production", in which for one year the ads have almost doubled - by 96% and 91%. Followed by the sectors "Accounting, audit, finance" (90%), "Hotels and restaurants" (83%), "Trade and sales" (78%), "Marketing and advertising", "Administrative activities", "Art", " Construction "and" Health and Pharmacy ".
"The thing we started doing at the beginning of the pandemic last year is to follow a little more closely the dynamics of job postings on online sites in Bulgaria. Every month we provide data on what is happening and in fact what we noticed last June. is that the level of ads has risen by nearly 70%." says an operations manager at the company that conducted the study.
Compared to the previous month of May, there is a slight decrease of 4%, according to the monthly analysis of the labor market of the HR company.
What were the benefits of the remote work introduced during the pandemic and do modern technologies help young people find work outside their home places today, working remotely?
"When we talk about young people who still want to start their professional development, in any case it is good for them to physically work in the company itself among the colleagues they will work with, because there they acquire skills and habits in general, which can be very difficult. acquired in telecommuting, be it work discipline, communication with colleagues, getting to know the team they will work with.This is one of the most important things for any person who will work in a larger team. it is more or less desirable for a person to move to the office for a while so that he can get used to his new job. From then on, however, things are much easier because a number of companies provide the opportunity to work remotely. " - added by the company that conducted the study.
What is the real situation in Northwestern Bulgaria with the supply and demand of vacancies?
Consultancy Center - Berkovitsa presents the expert opinion of Ms. Svetla Uzunova, Director of the Regional Employment Service in Montana.
"At the end of May, the number of jobs advertised remained the same as in the previous year, and in fact the largest share were in the real economy. Most of them were in the manufacturing industry - 24%, followed by government - 23.5%, agriculture, forestry and fisheries - 16%, trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles - 11%, hotels and restaurants - 8.6% and construction approximately 5%. maintenance workers, cooks, waiters and bartenders, salesmen, machine operators, drivers, valet and general workers, as well as healthcare professionals." - clarifies Svetla Uzunova, director of the Regional Employment Service in Montana.
13.07.2021
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT BULGARIA ORGANIZES VIRTUAL TRAININGS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Junior Achievement Bulgaria has prepared a series of short virtual meetings with representatives of companies, market leaders, and celebrities such as Denitsa Karaslavova, EVA, Victoria Georgieva and Alexandrina Alexandrova. They are designed for young people between the ages of 18 and 29 who are not currently working or studying, but are looking for opportunities for development and want to make their professional dreams come true.
The invitation is to all willing young people to join the Work Skills Week, the dates are 19, 21 and 23 July 2021, and the meetings start at 16:00. Registration is done at the following link.
Each guest speaker will share good business practices, as well as personal examples of how to unleash our potential and face the challenges of starting a business and achieving professional success. Sign up and it's free.
Within the NEETs project so far JA Bulgaria has managed to train over 650 students and young people from all over the country, to provide over 75 internships in leading companies. Young people have acquired knowledge about personal and career skills, how to present themselves in a business environment, how to build their professional experience and how to be competitive in the labor market. The organization has helped 11 young entrepreneurs start their own businesses.
* The NEETs in Entrepreneurship project is implemented by the Junior Achievement organizations in Bulgaria, Spain, Italy and Romania and is supported by the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism. Under the project, 1,600 young people aged 18-29, who are currently not studying or working, will receive training and support for starting their first job, career development and starting their own business.
13.07.2021
WAGE DECLINE IN ROMANIA
The average net salary in Romania is falling for the second time this year, BTA reports. In May, employees received an average of about 70 lei (the euro was exchanged for 4.92 lei) less than the previous month, according to Digi TV24, citing data from the National Statistical Institute in Romania.
The most significant decline was reported in the banking sector, the data show.
In May 2021, the average net salary in the country was 3,492 lei, nearly 2 percent lower than in April. This means a decrease of 69 lei.
The television notes that the main reason for the lower pay in May compared to the previous month are the bonuses and bonuses for Easter, which were included in the salaries for April.
The salaries of those working in the banking sector have fallen the most, with the reduction reaching about 21 percent. Next are those working in the insurance and telecommunications sectors.
At the other pole with the most significant increase in the average net salary are those working in the coal industry and in the extraction of oil and natural gas.
The opening of hotels and restaurants, as well as the resumption of travel, have had a positive impact on the labor market, with employees in these areas receiving up to 7 percent higher pay.
The highest salaries remain in the IT sector, where employees receive an average of 8,192 lei per month. The hotel and restaurant industry, despite a slight increase in May, remains at the bottom of the ranking with 1850 lei per month.
Romania's previous decline in the average net salary was reported in January, when employees received about 225 lei less than the previous month. The decline was then explained by Christmas bonuses and bonuses included in December salaries.
13.07.2021
OVER 850 THOUSAND PEOPLE WILL RECEIVE SUPPORT FOR BETTER EMPLOYMENT
Over 850,000 people will have the opportunity to develop their professional skills, start working in quality jobs and gain better access to social services, healthcare and social protection in the period 2021-2027.
This is envisaged in the draft Human Resources Development Program (HRDP), which the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy has published for public discussion.
Its total estimated budget for the programming period 2021-2027 will be BGN 3,874,637,388. These funds will finance measures in three main areas - development of the labor market and the skills of the labor force, support for social inclusion and social innovation. and youth employment.
Nearly 2.4 billion from the HRD budget will be invested in the labor market and preparation for the digital transition of the Bulgarian economy. They will finance opportunities for raising the qualification of the workforce through lifelong learning, will provide support for job creation, as well as for entrepreneurs starting their own business, will stimulate youth employment and development of social enterprises.
More than 350,000 employed and unemployed people will be trained in new skills, according to the future requirements of the labor market. About 93,000 young people will receive support to find a job after completing their education. 164,000 people will be prepared for the digital transition of the Bulgarian economy.
The remaining nearly BGN 1.4 billion from the HRD budget will be used to finance projects that will ensure better social inclusion of people from vulnerable groups. Their implementation will increase the quality and efficiency of social services for 80,000 children and adults, create more opportunities to combat child poverty, improve access to social assistance, health care and develop integrated social, health and educational services.
The project of the Human Resources Development Program is published on the government portal for public consultations www.strategy.bg
08.07.2021
THE STATE SUPPORTS DUAL TRAINING IN COMPANIES
For years, both Bulgarian companies and foreign investors who want to enter our country or expand their production, are faced with the dilemma of recruiting the necessary qualified staff - no longer only in quality but also in number. Attempts to introduce dual training - learning and work, continue - in various places there are examples of successful cooperation between municipalities and companies.
The Employment Agency is also part of the solution. It continues to provide financial support for employers who want to provide professionally trained staff or increase the competencies of already hired staff in their companies.
Consulting Center - Berkovitsa presents the opportunities that employers and the unemployed can use to finance employment.
One of the forms for which employers can receive financial resources is the already gained popularity
"dual training system",
which is developed by the order of art. 46a of the Employment Promotion Act. This year, too, the Employment Agency continues to stimulate the parallel conduct of theoretical training by a training institution and the acquisition of practical training in a real work environment under the guidance of a mentor. For this purpose, monthly funds are provided from the state budget for remuneration and insurance for each employee employed in a dual form of work and training, as well as for additional remuneration of his mentor. The funds are provided to employers for the duration of the training, but for no more than 36 months. In addition, the costs of conducting training in a profession necessary for the specific job are borne in full and for everyone who wishes. The employer has the right to choose the training institution and to agree with it the training schedule and the program for conducting and optimal combination of the training process and the work activity of the employees for training through work.
Pre-employment training
The second form allows employers to apply for the vocational training that job applicants must go through before being hired. The training of the unemployed is financed 100% of the state budget, and for the period of the training the students receive daily scholarships and means of transport in case their place of residence is in another settlement. The employer chooses a training organization with which they jointly form the training schedule and conduct the selection of the unemployed persons to be trained and subsequently employed for at least a 6-month period. The measure is implemented by the order of art. 63 of the Employment Promotion Act and the Employment Agency has a long-standing practice in providing it.
Among the opportunities offered is the financing of work in the form of
internship or apprenticeship of unemployed persons,
including of young people up to 29 years. Employers who hire unemployed people and provide a mentor who will practically train and manage the newly hired people will be able to receive funds covering the costs of salaries and insurance of the unemployed people, as well as additional remuneration for the mentor.
Financial support is also provided to employers - micro, small or medium enterprises, who wish to organize trainings for acquiring or improving the personal skills and key competencies of the staff employed by them.
Labor offices still have free funds to finance training of 200 unemployed people in occupations declared by employers, as well as for dual training, internships or apprenticeships for over 300 unemployed people, training in key competencies of at least 1,200 workers in micro, small or small enterprises. medium-sized enterprises.
Over 500 unemployed and employed people
Despite the severe epidemic situation and related restrictions, at the initiative of employers and with funds from the state budget last year were funded training, including in dual form, apprenticeship or internship, for over 500 unemployed and employed people.
07.07.2021
DOCUMENTS ON THE NEW DESIGN OF THE MEASURE 60/40 ARE ACCEPTED
The Employment Agency has launched a procedure for applying for employers under the measure, which has gained popularity as 60/40. The payment of funds for maintaining the employment of employees after the state of emergency will continue for the months of June and July.
In the period June-July 2021, the maintenance of employment in enterprises engaged in economic activity in these sectors will be supported, whose average monthly sales revenues in 2020 have decreased compared to 2019.
The regulated support for the new stage will now be determined on the basis of the insurance income of the employees for the month of April 2021. It remains at the rate of 60% of the income and social security contributions of each employee in enterprises whose sales revenues have decreased by not less than 40 percent in the month for which the support is provided compared to the same month in 2019.
Financial support in the amount of 50% is provided to maintain the employment of employees in enterprises whose sales revenues during the compared periods have decreased by not less than 30 percent. For those established after June 1, 2019, the decline in revenues for the month for which they apply will be determined compared to the average monthly revenues for 2020.
The funds under the current design of the measure will be paid monthly, and the submission of documents will be allowed only within the month following the past month for which the application is made. Employers wishing to receive support for the two months will be able to apply consecutively using the same forms and sample documents for the two months.
At this stage of the measure 60/40, the application and the documents for payment of funds under the Decree are submitted to the Directorate "Labor Office", serving the territory of the place of work of employees, regardless of the method of submission.
Applications and accompanying documents may be submitted electronically through the Secure Electronic Service System, sent through a licensed postal operator, and submitted on site at the relevant labor office.
Information for employers, the application procedure, containing the conditions, requirements, procedure and manner of application, are published on the website of the Employment Agency, under the heading "Financial incentives for maintaining employment". Those who are familiar with the published documents can get additional information in any directorate "Labor Office" in the country.
02.07.2021
ENTREPRENEURSHIP: THE MARKETING THAT WILL MAKE YOU LOVE YOU FOR LIFE
Marketing is something that requires research, time and understanding. It requires patience, compassion and empathy. It is about understanding what customers really need and giving it to them in a way that arouses admiration and respect. Use these basics to target your next marketing campaign and see what new doors it opens for your business. Use these three basic marketing basics to target your marketing decisions and create marketing campaigns that turn customers into lifelong fans.
Marketing is about finding and understanding a market in need
Marketing is not advertising. Make sure you understand the market before you spend your money on inappropriate advertising. See where your competitors advertise and how they do it. Find out where your customers spend their time and what their spending habits are. Investigate how they make their purchasing decisions. Use this information to create a real marketing strategy, instead of guessing and wasting your valuable capital on vain assumptions.
Marketing is about communicating with your potential customers
Marketing is a process of communication more than anything. Communication is about understanding the other person's point of view, not telling the other party why you are right. Many companies will accept that marketing is telling their customers exactly why to buy their product or service, but it is more than that. It's about communicating with your customers, asking them what they want. It's about learning how you can serve them better.
Once you find your market, find ways to communicate with them. Show your clients that you care about who they are and how they would like to be treated. Use communication channels to get information about your customers. They are not just potential dollar signs. They are people who deserve to be seen, heard and appreciated. Understand and implement this and you will stand above the crowd of other companies fighting for their attention and money.
Marketing is a learning process
Consumers buy from people and companies they know, like and trust. Just like you, it's hard to trust a stranger on the street trying to sell you anything, so why would you expect to be different?
If you are in the wrong market or miss the time, it is unlikely that your customers will want to buy from you right now. However, you can still educate them on why you may be a better choice next time. Use education to attract your ideal customers closer to a purchase decision. Don't just throw your offer at them every time you have a chance. Spend time training your prospects and let them make new choices once they learn why it's good for them.
Source: Scott Chrisman, CEO of Media House, co-founder of Health Media Group for entrepreneur.com
