06.02.2023
LAW STUDENTS FROM SOFIA UNIVERSITY PROVIDE FREE ASSISTANCE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Legal Clinic "Social Rights of People with Disabilities" at the Faculty of Law of the SU "St. Kliment Ohridski" provides free legal assistance to people with disabilities in the areas of:
Legal advice is provided by students of the "Law" specialty from the III, IV and V courses with the help of the head of the Legal Clinic - Dr. Tsveta Popova, chief assistant in the department of "Labor and Social Security Law" at the Faculty of Law of the SU "St. Kliment Ohridski".
The legal clinic accepts once a week, and the students examine the documents and information received by the client and provide opinions on the issues raised, and if necessary - prepare drafts of applications, signals, complaints, etc., in the conditions of confidentiality and compliance with the applicable protection regulations of personal data.
Those interested can contact the Clinic at e-mail: socialclinic@uni-sofia.bg to arrange a convenient time for a visit or another way to communicate.
03.02.2023
UNDER WHAT CONDITIONS WILL WE HAVE THE ELECTRONIC EMPLOYMENT RECORD BOOK
Comment from the specialist
The employment record book is an official document certifying the circumstances related to the labor activity of the worker or employee entered in it.
It includes circumstances regarding the data from the worker's or employee's personal documents, his education, the agreed remuneration, the position held, date and reason for termination of the employment relationship and other related to the employment relationship.
Is it possible to create an electronic register for this information, containing similar data, which would also be an "official certifying document" for employees to use if necessary, answers labor law expert Dr. Todor Kapitanov.
First of all, in order to create such a register, the possibility of using the relevant electronic records with employee data as evidence in case of possible disputes should be specified very carefully. This means that these intentions should be regulated in a specific law, and not by reference to a by-law.
The issues related to the content of the register, its creation and maintenance, the processing and access to the data from it, the deadlines for submitting the data to the register, the possibility of corrections in the register, etc., should be clearly defined by the legislation.
It is necessary to guarantee the security of data and access to them in the electronic labor register. Including guaranteeing workers and employees that all the information contained in the employment record book until it is transferred to electronic form will be preserved in its entirety, including providing for liability in the event of inaccuracies in the transfer of data from the paper employment record book to the electronic one and the possibility of contesting them in court, including when there are errors in the automatic calculation of their work experience. Also, the person responsible for making entries in the electronic employment record book should be determined by law.
We cannot help but pay attention to the fact that workers should be guaranteed free access to their own electronic work record. In most cases, practice shows that in working with the administration, citizens should pay to receive information from an administrative body, even though this information concerns their personal data.
The example of the administrative procedure for issuing a criminal record certificate, which in many cases is required when entering a job and for which citizens should pay, is an illustrative example of a procedure that should be avoided when requesting information on personal data on any occasion.
Of course, in addition to the interests of employees, we must not overlook those of employers. Therefore, it is important not to allow the creation of an unbearable additional administrative burden for employers, as well as to provide for a sufficient transition period after the adoption of the regulatory changes and the creation of the electronic register, so that employers can fulfill the obligations assigned to them by law.
What does "electronic employment record" mean?
The topic of the electronic employment record book is again on the agenda, after a bill was submitted for consideration, which aims to create an electronic employment record to replace the existing paper work (service) book of workers and employees, including civil servants.
The intention is to create an electronic register of employment, maintained by the Employment Agency, in which all data from the worker's employment book are entered. The employment record book should be replaced by an "electronic employment record" to which workers and employees will have access.
A transitional period for scanning and sending the data from all employment record books by the employers is also planned. It is also foreseen to automatically calculate the length of service of the persons and delete the texts from the Labor Code regarding benefits payable by the employer in case of illegal retention of the employment record book.
There is hardly a person who is against the idea of introducing modern technologies and methods for processing information related to individual data accompanying and reflecting the work path of every worker or employee, including government ones, as well as facts and circumstances that are relevant to their work.
However, what are the features and risks of a possible change in the legislation in this direction and how can they be avoided.
Upon a more in-depth and expert study of the matter, the otherwise good idea of introducing an electronic work record hides a number of risks that should be secured. Many more questions for reflection arise than are contained at first glance.
One of these questions is who and how will have access to the database contained in the electronic employment books, especially since under the current legislation these documents are the property of the workers/employees.
Another question that should be answered in advance is who and in what way will provide an additional administrative burden for employers, for example in the process of scanning employment record books, entering the database into the special register and most importantly - who and by which way will be responsible for wrongly entered data.
In summary, the proposals made do not sufficiently protect the rights of workers, insofar as the employer will have access to the benefits paid for non-compliance with notice on termination of the employment relationship, compensation for unused paid annual leave and other similar data, which are calculated on the basis of the remuneration of the person therefore employers will have access to salary information from the prospective applicant's previous employment.
In this situation, potential candidates for a new job will be put in a less favorable position when they have to negotiate the amount of their remuneration, and in the employers' arguments, the starting point will always be the amount of salary from the candidate's previous job.
These are only a small number of examples that show how a good idea, when it is not sufficiently specified and the element of protecting workers' rights is omitted (perhaps deliberately) can become a huge topic of dispute between the different parties in labor relations and practically cannot be implemented.
Bulgaria definitely needs digitization not only in the area of the employment book, but also in all processes related to the administrative commitments of the parties in labor relations. For this to happen, it certainly needs to be approached on a much larger scale, but also much more expertly.
02.02.2023
WHAT WILL I BECOME IN 2023? SIX PROFESSIONS WITH GOOD PROSPECTS DURING THE YEAR
The COVID-19 pandemic was a stepmother to some and a mother to others. While some industries have experienced and continue to experience major upheavals, others have enjoyed explosive growth, which has meant hiring many new employees.
An example of this is the technology industry. However, it is also an example of what happens to the labor market in these sectors after the situation normalizes. And it can only be described like this - the great release.
Still, there is no room for panic, according to the career guidance platform CareerFitter, and they indicate the areas in which the most jobs are expected to be opened on a global scale.
Health field
Home health workers and health assistants are proving to be one of the most in-demand during the pandemic, and this trend will continue, the platform believes. These occupations include day-to-day care of the elderly and sick, including administering medications, taking patients' temperatures and blood pressures, serving, and ambulating.
Medical and health service managers will also be in demand in the post-pandemic years. Their work involves planning, directing and coordinating the business activities of healthcare providers.
Chefs
If you already enjoy cooking for people, it's time to do it for pay, advises CareerFitter, as it will be one of the most in-demand jobs globally in 2023.
The tourism sector, hotels and restaurants were some of the most affected industries during the pandemic, which affected employment in these sectors. Now they are expected to experience a renaissance of sorts, and the best part is that you don't need a college degree to get into it.
Most chefs learn their skills through work experience. However, there is no shortage of courses, and the pay for this position is expected to increase.
In 2019, for example, chef Gordon Ramsay earned about $63 million. This shows that there is no lack of prospects for the profession.
Software development
Although the technology sector is a prime example of the labor market shocks of the normality-pandemic-normality transition, software developers will remain on the crest of the wave and the need for people with similar skills and knowledge will grow. If you like to find bugs in applications and develop them, and it is still just a hobby for you, then 2023 will give you ample opportunities for professional development.
The best thing is that even if you don't have much knowledge in the field, there are enough courses that will give you everything you need within a few months. Almost.
This group also includes web developers. After all, nowadays there is no organization or service that can survive without an internet presence. Therefore, this profession is expected to be among the leaders for a long time to come. An additional advantage is that you can work from home.
Cyber security
As a core part of every company's strategy today, cybersecurity is a field that constantly needs an influx of fresh blood.
Love computers and problem solving? This job might be perfect for you. As an information security specialist, you will help companies protect their critical data and offer solutions to prevent cyber attacks. You will assess security issues that companies may face and develop protection plans.
Although many employers prefer applicants with an academic background, this is ultimately a field where practical skills are extremely important.
Logistics
With all this talk about supply chain over the past few years, it's no surprise that experts in this field will continue to be in demand. It usually looks for well-organized people who can coordinate both their activity with that of other people and organizations, as well as the activities in which they are not directly involved.
Logistics professionals can find fulfillment far beyond purely logistics companies. These are necessary for any manufacturing industry, as the way in which products reach consumers is extremely important to their success, and therefore they are willing to provide good conditions for the people who guarantee it.
If you choose this field, you will ensure that the company has the supplies necessary to manufacture its products, as well as ensure that the finished product reaches the correct destination.
Working with data
The technological society is exponentially producing more and more data and information, and companies are using this data to improve their efficiency and profitability. To be of use to them, however, you must have an analytical mind, computer skills, a passion for raw data and a desire to turn it into information that can be understood and become the basis for informed decisions.
The data scientist collects and organizes the incoming information, analyzes the organized data and explains the results in a simple way so that others can understand them, then makes recommendations based on the results of the findings made.
Of course, those moving in this direction should keep in mind that artificial intelligence is already on the scene and will only get better. And it was created precisely for that.
01.02.2023
PROJECTS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: ONLINE INFORMATION DAYS ABOUT EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS
Online information days for the programs that finance projects to ensure employment, rehabilitation and integration, building an accessible environment for people with disabilities are being launched.
Starting next week, participants will be able to familiarize themselves with the programs and ask their questions related to application conditions, allocation of funds, monitoring and reporting of project proposals. The program can finance activities related to training, acquiring skills for independent living, rehabilitation, art therapy, familiarization with cultural heritage, charity and trade bazaars, etc. Participants must be non-governmental organizations of and for people with disabilities.
The information sessions will be held as follows:
Each of the information events includes:
If you wish to participate, you can declare your intention to the following e-mail addresses of the Agency for People with Disabilities, taking into account the above-mentioned deadlines of each of the programs:
Rehabilitation and Integration Program: ahu_npo@mlsp.government.bg
Program "Independent economic activity": ahu_ssd@mlsp.government.bg
Program "Social and economic orientation of specialized enterprises and cooperatives": ahu_stn@mlsp.government.bg and ahu_sn@mlsp.government.bg
Program "Centers for protected employment": ahu_ssd@mlsp.government.bg
Accessible Architectural Environment Program: ahu_dostap@mlsp.government.bg
Those who expressed interest will additionally be sent an email with a link to join the Open Day event.
01.02.2023
BNB RAISED THE MAIN INTEREST RATE AGAIN
The Bulgarian National Bank raises the main interest rate again. Thus, from February 1, 2023, it will be 1.82 percent. This is the fifth in a row, an increase in the main interest rate. From January 1, it was increased to 1.42%, and from December 1 to 1.30%. In October it was set at 0.49% and in November it rose to 0.59%.
The main interest rate was last different from 0.00 on January 1, 2016, when it was 0.01%.
The value of the main interest rate matters, but only in some limited cases. Mainly the main interest rate is used to calculate the penalty or statutory interest on late payment. The calculation is done by adding 10% to the main interest rate.
The main interest rate is an instrument by which the value of a monetary unit in a country's economy is regulated and measured. Its amount is determined by the Central Bank.
When the main interest rate rises, it usually happens in a strong economy in order to balance it out. Inflation is also regulated in this way.
The Central bank reduces its size when the economy is in difficulty and there is a need to support it. This is done in order to stimulate the withdrawal of loans and provide new jobs.
01.02.2023
THE BENEFITS OF LAUGHTER IN THE WORKPLACE
"According to research from major institutions such as Horton, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the London School of Business and Finance, every giggle or giggle carries with it a number of benefits," writes Alison Beard in HBR.
"Laughter relieves stress and boredom, increases engagement, improves well-being, and induces not only creativity and collaboration, but also analytical precision and productivity."
Harvard Business School lecturer Alison Woods Brooks also found that cracking jokes in the workplace can make people appear more competent.
But what about being the subject of jokes and laughing heartily?
It can also bring a number of benefits to employees. "When you start laughing, it not only relieves your mental burden, but actually causes physical changes in your body," explains the Mayo Clinic.
This improves your intake of "oxygen-rich air", increasing endorphin release in your brain. "It can also stimulate circulation and muscle relaxation, which in turn help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress."
With all the research showing that less stress benefits employees and reduces absenteeism, the freedom to laugh seems like something that's not just good, but necessary at work.
A group of researchers even found that after watching a comedy video, employees were 10% more productive than their colleagues.
Of course, too much humor or laughter can have its drawbacks. For example, leaders who belittle employees or tell dirty jokes may set the stage for other employees to misbehave.
Within decency, however, laughter is generally a good thing, and the benefits far outweigh the risks.
So laugh freely, not every day all day of course. It's always good to be aware of the decibels in your environment and not distract colleagues.
As Harvard Medical School professor Carl Marcy says, “laughter is a social signal between people. He is like a punctuation mark.”
Sometimes in the midst of a stressful day, it helps to be the exclamation mark.
01.02.2023
WORK INTERNSHIP IN WORKING ON A CIVIL CONTRACT
It often happens that citizens ask whether work experience is accumulated when they work on a "freelance" basis.
The questions are of a very different nature, delineating different hypotheses related to work during paid annual leave, work during maternity leave and many others related to putting in some kind of work in the most diverse form. What do the regulations in the Bulgarian legislation regarding the length of service in such situations regulate?
Let's first clarify what "freelance work" means, or rather what the questioners who use these words mean. Royalty generally means monetary compensation paid for the work of freelancers or creatives - such as writers, translators, artists, actors, teachers, lawyers, etc. Payment of fees in the form of royalties usually comes in two forms - as a percentage of sales or as a one-time payment.
In fact, when someone works "on a freelance basis" they often mean that they are working on a civilian contract. In these situations, in practice, the rules of procurement and production contracts are used in the sense of the Law on Obligations and Contracts. The employment contract refers to remuneration. Therefore, you cannot work under an employment contract and receive a fee.
Work under a civil contract could in no way affect the length of service, including during maternity. However, it leads to the accumulation of a longer insurance period, which will be reflected in a much later stage with a view to receiving a higher amount of pension for insurance period and age.
That is why work under a civil contract does not accumulate work experience, but only insurance experience. If, for example, the mother, during the period of her maternity leave, works on a civil contract, this form of employment does not lead to an interruption of her work experience, nor to an interruption of the payment of the cash benefit for maternity.
According to the Social Insurance Code, persons insured for general illness and maternity are entitled to cash compensation for pregnancy and childbirth and for raising a child up to the age of 2, instead of remuneration, if they have 12 months of insurance experience as insured for this risk .
When a person insured for general illness and maternity, during the period of leave for pregnancy and childbirth or for raising a child up to the age of 2, receives cash compensation, taking a job without an employment relationship (civil contract) is not an obstacle to receiving of the monetary compensation.
It is important to clarify that this opportunity is given not only during the use of pregnancy and childbirth leave, but also during the use of the additional paid leave for raising a child up to the age of 2.
Reference:
Art. 48a and Art. 52a of the Social Security Code
Art. 164 of the Labor Code
31.01.2023
WHAT ARE THE RISKS FACING COMPANIES THIS YEAR?
The macroeconomic development of the country (40%), the interruption of business activity (31%) and the energy crisis (31%) are the three biggest risks facing Bulgarian business this year. This is according to the 12th annual study of key business risks around the world, based on the opinion of more than 2,700 experts from 94 countries, including CEOs, managers, brokers and insurance experts, of Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS).
For domestic companies, the unstable political environment, the crisis in Ukraine, financial policy and rising prices are among the most worrying factors affecting business. Cyberattacks in the country are also not neglected, climbing 5 positions up the ranking and in 2023 already occupying 4th place (9th place in 2022). A new risk for companies is also appearing on the Bulgarian scene, namely theft, fraud and corruption (9% of respondents, position No.10).
"For the second year in a row, the Allianz Risk Barometer shows that companies are most concerned about growing cyber threats and business disruption. At the same time, they identify inflation, the impending recession and the energy crisis as immediate threats to their business. Companies in Europe and in particular in the US are worried about the current "permacrisis" arising from the effects of the pandemic, the economic and political impact of the ongoing fighting in Ukraine. This is a stress test for the sustainability of any company," summarizes AGCS CEO Joachim Müller.
For the second year in a row, cyber threats and business interruption are among the top concerns for companies globally (both with 34% of all responses). However, macroeconomic indicators such as inflation, instability of financial markets and the looming recession climb by 7 points in this year's edition as well and occupy the 3rd position. A new factor also appears on the scene, namely the impact of the energy crisis, which occupies the 4th position in the ranking among 22% of the respondents. All this is due to the global economic and political consequences of Covid-19 and the military actions in Ukraine.
These pressures require immediate and decisive action by companies. This explains why factors such as natural disasters (from #3 to #6), climate change (from #6 to #7), and pandemics (after vaccines contributed to the end of restrictions (from #4 to #13)) fall by down several positions in the 2023 report. Political risks and violence are back in the top 10 global risks, taking 10th place, while the lack of skilled labor rises to No. 8 in the ranking. Changes in legislation and regulations remain a key risk and retain their No. 5 position, while the potential threat of fires and explosions drops two places to No. 9.
Cyber incidents
Cyber incidents, such as IT outages, ransomware attacks or data breaches, have been identified as the biggest risk to businesses globally for the second year in a row - the first time this has happened. In 19 different countries, including Canada, France, Japan, India and Great Britain, it is listed as the greatest danger. It's also the risk that small companies with annual revenue of $250 million are most worried about.
“For many companies, the cyber threat is still higher than ever and cyber insurance claims remain high. Large companies are used to being targeted, and those with proper cyber defenses are able to fend off most attacks effectively. Observations show that more and more small and medium-sized companies are also affected. However, they tend to underestimate their vulnerability and need to continually invest in strengthening their cyber controls,” said Shanille Williams, AGCS Board Member and Corporate Chief Insurance Officer responsible for cyber insurance.
The frequency of attacks remains high in 2023. The average cost of a data breach is an all-time high of $4.35 million, expected to exceed $5 million in 2023. The conflict in Ukraine and the wider geopolitical tensions raise the risk of a large-scale cyber attack by sponsored individuals. In addition, there is also a growing shortage of cybersecurity professionals, which is a challenge when it comes to improving security.
According to the survey, business interruption, ranked No. 2, remains one of the biggest risks in 2023 as many business models are vulnerable to sudden shocks and changes, which in turn impact profits and revenues. of the companies. Business interruption is the #1 risk in countries such as Brazil, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden and the US.
Cybercrime (45% of respondents) was cited as the main reason for business interruption, followed by the energy crisis (35%) and natural disasters (31%). Ever-rising energy costs have forced many companies to use energy resources more efficiently, move their production to alternative locations, or even consider a temporary shutdown. The resulting shortage threatens to disrupt supplies in a number of critical industries in Europe, incl. in food, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, etc., although warm winter conditions on the continent and stabilization of gas prices are helping to ease the energy situation.
A possible global recession is another likely source of disruption in 2023, with the potential for supply failures and insolvency, which is particularly worrisome for companies with single or limited critical suppliers. According to Allianz Trade, business insolvency on a global scale is likely to increase significantly in 2023: +19%.
Macroeconomic malaise
Macroeconomic developments - inflation and instability in economic and financial markets - ranked as the third biggest risk for companies globally in 2023 according to 25% of respondents (up from #10 in 2022). For the first time in 10 years, this risk appears in the top three. The three main economic zones - the US, China and Europe - are in crisis mode at the same time, albeit for different reasons, according to Allianz Research, which predicts a recession in Europe and the US in 2023.
Inflation is one of the main causes of concern because it eats away at the cost structure and profit margins of many businesses. Like the real economy, financial markets face a difficult year as central banks drain excess liquidity system-wide and trading volumes decline, even in historically liquid markets.
"2023 will be a year of challenges. Economically, it is likely to be a year to remember for many households and companies. However, there is no reason to despair," says Ludovic Subran, Chief Economist at Allianz. "On the one hand, the turnaround in interest rates is helping millions of savers. The medium-term outlook is also much better, despite – or rather because of – the energy crisis. The consequences, beyond the expected recession in 2023, are already becoming clear: a forced transformation of the economy in the direction of decarbonization, as well as an increased awareness of risk in society, strengthening social and economic sustainability."
Increases and decreases in risks
A new factor that appears in the ranking for the first time and occupies the 4th position with as much as 22% is the energy crisis. Some industries in European countries, such as the production of chemicals, fertilizers, glass and aluminum, can rely on only one source of energy - Russian gas, making them vulnerable to price increases or interruptions in energy supplies. If such core industries struggle to survive, the consequences will inevitably be felt further down the value chain in other sectors. According to Allianz Trade, the energy crisis will remain the biggest shock to profitability, especially for European countries. At current levels, energy prices would destroy the profits of most non-financial corporations as pricing power erodes amid slowing demand.
Driven by 2022 being another year of upheaval with conflict and civil unrest, political risks and violence are a new factor in the report, ranking 10th (13%). In addition, companies are also concerned about increasing disruption from strikes, riots and civil unrest as the cost of living crisis grows in many countries.
Despite the drop in the ranking year-on-year, natural disasters (19%) and climate change (17%) also remain top concerns for businesses. In a year that included Hurricane Ian, one of the most powerful storms on record in the US, record increases in temperatures, droughts and winter storms around the world and more than $100 billion in insured losses, they still rank in the top seven global risks.
31.01.2023
CAN YOU WITHDRAW YOUR MONEY FOR SUPPLEMENTARY PENSION?
The funds that accumulate in the funds for additional mandatory and/or voluntary pension insurance are intended to provide an additional pension (apart from the state social insurance pension) and increase the pension income.
The possibilities to withdraw funds from the individual lot after acquiring the right to an additional pension are different for each of the funds, as for universal and professional they are defined by law, and for the voluntary fund it is a matter of choice of the insured person, explain the experts from the Bulgarian Association of supplementary pension insurance companies.
Funds from a universal fund can be withdrawn, one-time or deferred, only in the event that the calculated monthly amount of the pension at the date of its granting is less than 20% of the current amount of the social pension for old age.
The funds from a professional fund can be withdrawn, once or in installments, if the person did not take advantage of the possibility of early retirement from the State Social Insurance or from a professional pension fund and retired under the conditions of Article 68, Paragraph 1 of the Code on Social Security.
The funds from an occupational fund can be withdrawn, once or in installments, and when the insured person has acquired the right to an occupational pension for early retirement, but the calculated monthly amount of the pension at the date of its granting is less than 20% of the current amount of the social old age pension.
30.01.2023
BBD LEASING SUPPORTS BUSINESSES FOR TECHNOLOGICAL RENEWAL OF PRODUCTION FACILITIES
BBD Leasing from the Bulgarian Development Bank Group launched a new product for technological renewal of production facilities. It targets micro, small and medium-sized companies involved in manufacturing, processing and food processing, printing and healthcare. Companies can apply for the lease of production machinery and equipment, incl. medical and energy equipment.
The maximum amount of the granted lease is up to BGN 5 million, and the financing term is up to 84 months with the possibility of a grace period. The companies' deductible is a minimum of 10% depending on their creditworthiness.
Among the requirements for lessees are that they have at least two completed financial years in which they have been operating and have positive equity.
The purpose of the new program is to encourage small and medium-sized companies to invest in production machinery and equipment, with the help of which they will improve the efficiency of their production processes and expand their product portfolio. Through their technological renewal, they will have the opportunity to enter new markets and improve their competitiveness, as well as create new jobs.
The new financial product will assist businesses in improving the energy efficiency of production.
The planned financial support is in sync with the strategic goals of the BDB to ensure access of small and medium-sized businesses to sufficient and diverse financing, as well as support for the export of companies and their integration in foreign markets, reports the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry through its website www.infobusiness.bcci.bg.
You will find all conditions for assistance under the program here.
