17.05.2022
THE NEW UNEMPLOYED ARE MORE THAN THE NEW EMPLOYED
Since the beginning of the year, the newly registered unemployed in the country exceeded 89,300 people, and the employed are just over 58,200 people - according to the latest data from the weekly specialized labor market monitoring of the National Statistical Institute and the Employment Agency.
In the last observed week for the period May 2-8, 4,073 unemployed people registered with the labor offices, and 2,747 people started working.
Sofia-capital, Plovdiv and Blagoevgrad are the districts with the most newly registered unemployed in the period second-eighth of May - in Sofia they are 454. Most of them are employed through labor offices in the capital, Burgas, Veliko Tarnovo, Pleven, Plovdiv and Varna. At the beginning of the summer season there are already districts such as Burgas, Veliko Tarnovo, Dobrich with a significant predominance of those who came to work compared to those registered in the labor offices.
The most sought-after professions in business are: staff employed in the field of personal services; agricultural, forestry and fisheries workers; sellers; machine operators of stationary machines and equipment; workers in the mining and processing industry, construction and transport; skilled workers in the production of food, clothing, wood products and related; waste collection and related workers; metallurgists, machine builders and related craftsmen; food preparation assistants; cleaners and helpers, etc.
According to the Employment Agency, the unemployment rate in April - 4.6%, is the lowest registered so far. The agency's administrative statistics show that this is the lowest value of registered unemployed since the establishment of the Agency 32 years ago.
16.05.2022
THE REGIONAL EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM OF THE DISTRICT OF MONTANA FOR 2022 HAS STARTED
In pursuance of the National Action Plan for Employment in 2022, the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy has launched a procedure for developing regional employment programs. The programs are an effective tool of active labor market policy, which supports the regions and ensures employment of unemployed people from vulnerable groups.
The Employment Promotion Act provides for the implementation of a regional program for each administrative district on the basis of proposals from the district and municipal administrations.
In 2022, regional programs will promote the creation of sustainable jobs and contribute to the recovery of employment. In each Regional Program, subsidized employment for the target group must be planned, based on partnerships with private sector enterprises. Unemployed persons registered with the labor offices for reasons related to the Kovid crisis are included in the subsidized employment as a priority. In order to boost local development, it is important that the program addresses measures in sectors with growth potential. Employment partnerships with employers carrying out green transition activities are also important.
Interested employers from the Municipality of Montana can declare their labor needs to the Mayor of the Municipality of Montana until May 16, 2022 in 102 rooms until 5.30 pm for inclusion in the Employment Program of the Municipality of Montana, which is part of the Regional Employment Program. Montana area. Unemployed persons who have not worked for the same employer in the last 6 months can be employed at each job created under the regional programs.
The developed project proposals should be submitted by May 17, 2022, after which a commission appointed by the District Governor will evaluate them and develop the Regional Employment Program for the District of Montana for 2022.
The significantly larger financial resource this year also implies a wide territorial scope of the regional programs. The aim is to create jobs in all settlements in the district, where there are suitable registered unemployed for them, in order to give a chance and to create conditions for employment in the most remote from the economic centers areas.
The programs can also provide employment in jobs related to home care (food delivery and/or preparation, food assistance, self-service support, movement and mobility, shopping and other daily and household activities) to persons with permanent disabilities and the elderly who do not fall within the scope of currently existing measures, services and programs financed from the state budget or European funds, or funds from international programs and projects, including the Personal Assistance Mechanism.
The distribution of the funds from the budget of the MLSP for active policy by districts in the National Action Plan for Employment in 2022 has been approved, for the district of Montana they amount to BGN 2,504,420.
Until 20.05.2022 is the deadline for the Chairman of the Employment Commission to present to the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy for approval the Regional Employment Program of the District of Montana for 2022.
The deadline for implementation of the regional program is December 9, 2022.
For more information: Montana Labor Office Directorate.
16.05.2022
EASY TRICKS FOR IMPROVING TEAMWORK WORK AT THE WORKPLACE
Being part of a great work team is a phenomenal feeling.
This means going to work with pleasure and being charged with energy throughout the day.
The fact is that many employees suffer from poor communication, lack of trust and low commitment - all this undermines the chances of teamwork.
However, 3 out of 4 employers consider teamwork to be "very important", but sometimes this can be a bit complicated. The key is to give your team the right conditions for development and growth.
Here are some "conditions" for teamwork that you should keep in mind:
It starts from the top. If you still don't have good teamwork at the highest level, it's time for a change. Be an example to employees and show them how important this is for the whole organization.
Good communication is the basis of great teamwork. Good teams communicate well and often their members are happy to share ideas, think together, ask for feedback.
So how do you activate good communication?
Be clear: Set a tone for communication between the team. When is it acceptable to close the office door? Is it good to talk to someone after hours? How often should the whole team meet?
Listen: Communication is as much about speaking as it is about listening. Make sure you listen to your colleagues and actually consider their thoughts before proposing your own solutions and contributions.
Method: There are so many ways to reach each other in the modern age. Try to use the most appropriate tool for communication according to specific needs, whether it is email, chat platform, phone call or face-to-face.
Sharing: Encourage informal meetings, information sharing and meetings between team members. People don't have to wait for a weekly meeting to get together.
We are not talking about aerobics here, but about team building. Before deciding on a team building exercise, it is important to consider what specific challenges it faces. For example, does your team need to get to know each other better or do you need to recover from a conflict? You can choose different exercises for each of these situations.
Rules must exist to keep everyone equal. The rules are everywhere - on the sports field, in everyday interactions - and they exist so that everyone is in the same position. How can we go on together if we don't know where we are? The rules will guarantee the success and productivity of the team.
If the team does not understand the purpose of their work, their attention and enthusiasm may decrease. Be clear about why you are doing what you are doing - this is the key to motivation. So, find the "why" - the goal behind your current project or end goal and why you take each of the steps that lead you there.
Not only will this keep everyone motivated and coordinated, but it's also a great way to review the work and make sure you're taking the best steps to get to where you need to be.
Recognized employees are satisfied employees, according to a recent study. And satisfied employees do better at work. If you want a happier, stronger team, recognition is key.
How constructive is your workspace for teamwork growth? Herman Miller's research shows that the physical workspace must evolve to support collaboration.
Provide rooms that teams can use, conference rooms equipped with the latest remote conferencing tools, and relaxation areas where people can relax.
The needs of your teams need to be reflected in your workspace. Take a look at your office and think about what can be done to encourage impromptu meetings for productive conversation, accessibility to knowledge experts and semi-permanent spaces for group projects.
Team building should not happen while you are actively working. In fact, it has been proven that taking breaks together can lead to higher levels of productivity and help re-evaluate goals if necessary.
One week you could gather the team and go for coffee together or serve sweet treats and get together for a morning conversation. Gathering in a less formal setting will encourage better communication, sharing and networking between team members. If you want to start small - go out to hold some of the team meetings.
Focusing on the weaknesses of your team members can seriously affect engagement and therefore reduce team productivity. According to a Gallup study, employees who use their strengths every day are six times more likely to be involved in their work.
How often do you show gratitude? A survey of 2,000 people found that people were less likely to express gratitude at work than anywhere else. In fact, 60% of these people say that "either they never express gratitude for work, or they do it maybe once a year."
People, in fact, want to thank them. 70% of respondents would feel better if their boss was more grateful, and 81% would work harder. In fact, gratitude has been shown to lead to an increased sense of self-worth and trust in the workplace.
16.05.2022
LAUNCH OF THE EUROPEAN HEALTH DATA SPACE
The European Commission has launched the European Health Data Space (EHDS), one of the central building blocks of a strong European Health Union. The EHDS will help the EU make a qualitative leap forward in the way people across Europe are provided with healthcare. It will enable people to control and use their health data in their own country or in other EU countries. The EHDS promotes a true single market for digital health services and products. In addition, it provides a coherent, reliable and efficient framework for the use of health data for research, innovation, policy-making and regulatory activities, while ensuring full compliance with high EU data protection standards.
EC Vice-President Margaritis Schinas said: I am proud to announce the first common EU data space in a specific area. The European Health Data Space will be a "new beginning" for EU digital health policy, and health data will be used for the benefit of citizens and science. Today, we are laying the foundations for secure and reliable access to health data in full compliance with the core values on which the EU is founded.
Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kiriakidou said: Today we are introducing another pillar of the European Health Union. Our vision is becoming a reality. The European Health Data Space is a key determinant of the digital transformation of healthcare in the EU. It puts citizens at the center of attention, enabling them to exercise full control over their data in order to receive better healthcare across the EU. This data, which will be accessed under strict guarantees of security and privacy, will also be a real treasure trove for scientists, researchers, innovators and policy makers working on future life-saving treatments. The EU is truly taking a historic step towards digital healthcare.
Enabling people to control their health data at home and abroad
Thanks to the EHDS, people will have immediate, free and easy access to their health data electronically. They can easily share this data with other health professionals in EU countries to improve the provision of health care. Citizens will have full control over their data, as they will be able to add information, correct incorrect data, restrict access to others and receive information on how their data is used and for what purposes.
EU countries will ensure that aggregate patient data, e-prescriptions, medical images and conclusions, laboratory results and medical records are published and adopted in a common European format.
Interoperability and security will become mandatory requirements. Manufacturers of electronic health record systems will need to certify compliance with these standards.
To ensure the protection of citizens' rights, all EU countries must set up digital health authorities. These authorities will be involved in a cross-border digital infrastructure (MyHealth@EU, My Health in the EU data infrastructure) to help patients share their data abroad.
Improving the use of health data for research, innovation and policy making
The EHDS creates a solid legal framework for the use of health data in the areas of research, innovation, public health, policy-making and regulatory activities. Under strict conditions, researchers, innovators, public institutions or industry will have access to large amounts of high-quality health data, which are crucial for the development of life-saving treatments, vaccines or medical devices and provide better access to healthcare and more sustainable health systems.
To access such data, researchers, companies or institutions will need permission from a health data access authority, which must be set up in each EU country. Access will be granted only if the requested data is used for specific purposes, in a closed and secure environment and without revealing the identity of the persons. In addition, it is strictly forbidden to use data for decisions that are detrimental to citizens, such as designing harmful products or services or increasing the insurance premium.
Health data access authorities will be linked to the new decentralized infrastructure at EU level for secondary use (HealthData@EU, EU Health Data Infrastructure), which will be set up to support cross-border projects.
Context
The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly demonstrated the importance of digital health services. The use of digital tools increased significantly during this period. However, the complexity of the rules, structures and processes in the Member States makes it difficult to access and share health data, especially abroad. In addition, health systems are currently the subject of intensified cyber attacks.
The EHDS builds on the ORD, the proposed Data Management Act, the draft Data Legislation and the Cyber Security Directive. It complements these initiatives and provides more individualized rules for the health sector. An open public consultation on the EHDS took place from 3 May to 26 July 2021, bringing together a wide range of views that contributed to the development of this legal framework.
The EHDS will use the current and upcoming deployment of digital public goods in the EU, such as artificial intelligence, high-performance computing technologies, cloud computing and smart middleware. In addition, the EHDS will be supported by frameworks on AI, e-identity and cybersecurity.
Next steps
The European Commission's proposal will be discussed by the Council and the European Parliament.
16.05.2022
ENTREPRENEURSHIP: BULGARIAN CERAMICS IS GAINING MOMENTUM
The ceramic production in our country is reviving, commented the master potter Nikolay Yovkov - a former teacher at the National Art High School for Applied Arts in Troyan.
After the drastic decline in the 1990s, the craft is gaining momentum. Many private workshops have been opened with a dozen workers each, who ship products daily. There is competition in the industry and everyone strives to make their products more beautiful, said Yovkov. Mostly items used in the household are made, the most common being the production of pots and pans.
The return to clay is largely provoked by the movement of the real estate market and the growing interest in rural houses, added the ceramic artist Stefania Kesarova. According to her, when buying houses, people find in them old things and objects that they want to preserve and modernize. All of Europe is turning to its historical roots, to everyday life and useful things, said the artist.
Ceramics are earth products. There are no worms in the clay, even the water of the clay is drunk. Clay is a natural raw material, so it is recommended to eat in clay pots. Especially when it is less glazed, because it is hygroscopic, it absorbs the smell and gives a specific taste to the food," Kesarova said. According to her, blown glass and clay are the most harmless and environmentally friendly raw materials for the production of dishes. Working with clay, in addition to bringing pleasure, heals the skin, says the artist.
Each pottery has its own artistry, its type is determined by the life of the ethnic group, say the masters. Bulgarian ceramics have warm colors. As the costumes are different, so the dishes have characteristic features in every part of Bulgaria, but in general earthy, pastel tones predominate, said Kesarova.
Romanian ceramics are a little browner, sometimes there are blue colors that are not found in our country, said Yovkov. According to Kuman Zhekov, chairman of the Northwestern Association of Old Craftsmen, many Serbian potters studied in the Tran village of Busintsi and brought the style to school. That is why Serbian craftsmen are now creating vessels close to the beads, Zhekov said. He is the last officially produced master of the Bead school and, according to him, the only master of ancient ceramics in our country. At the suggestion of the European Association of Museums, all objects made in his workshop are certified. Many antiques, complete collections in Europe and other continents, bear the stamp of the Bulgarian master.
"Pottery is based on centrifugal force. Clay is applied, hands must always be wet. We know the parable of St. Spyridon: He made a pot, but it didn't work. He cried, tears flowed and the pot worked. That's why potters always have a bowl. with water. The first manipulation is to center the clay, the second - to expand and shape the bottom and make a proper cylinder. From there are made pitchers, pots, etc.," reveals the secrets of the craft Zhekov.
Garden ceramics are also in great demand. It was brought from Western Europe and the Catholic world with the return of many Bulgarians from there. "Emigrants, in addition to funds, also brought Western culture. Along with construction, people began to decorate their yards. Their gardens are decorated with vases, jars, bunnies, storks, deer and other animals, which is typical of Catholicism," Kesarova added.
Bulgarian ceramics is well received abroad, Yovkov assured. According to him, some producers export more than 50 percent of their production. After the low tide at the end of the last century, there is already interest in learning the craft. There are more and more candidates for pottery, which is why the exams are more complicated, the old masters trust. They are convinced that their craft will prosper because it is attractive, affordable and environmentally friendly.
16.05.2022
NEXTGENERATIONEU: EUROPEAN COMMISSION LAUNCHES INFORMATION CAMPAIGN IN BULGARIA ON THE NATIONAL RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE PLAN
The benefits of the Bulgarian Recovery and Resilience Plan are at the heart of an information campaign launched on 12 May in Bulgaria at the initiative of the European Commission.
The campaign will last one month. The aim is to promote among young Bulgarians the EU Mechanism for Reconstruction and Resilience - NextGenerationEU.
Various visual messages on the Internet and in open spaces in cities will inform citizens about the recovery and sustainability plan and the ways in which Bulgarians can benefit from the projects under the plan.
On April 7, the European Commission gave a positive assessment of Bulgaria's recovery and resilience plan, and on May 3 the Council finally approved it. This is an important step that paves the way for the EU to provide € 6.3 billion in grants under the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism. This funding will support the implementation of the decisive investments and reforms outlined in Bulgaria's recovery and resilience plan so that the country can emerge from the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, stronger and better prepared for the future.
13.05.2022
LOAN FROM A BANK - WHEN IS IT GOOD TO ABSTAIN?
Bank credit seems to be an easy and quick solution to financial problems. People take out loans most often to renovate and furnish their homes, replenish mortgages, consolidate accumulated debts, buy a car, cover current or medical expenses, and even vacation.
However, the use of bank credit has a number of disadvantages. Getting ready-made money usually costs money. Assess whether the product or service is worth the extra costs such as fees and interest. In addition, borrowing can become a bad habit that often leads you to overspend. What are the alternatives?
Rescheduling and deferral
If you have public obligations such as taxes, insurance, customs duties, fines, confiscations, etc., in case of temporary financial difficulties you can request their deferral or rescheduling. The difference between deferral and rescheduling is in the periodicity of payments.
In the case of deferral, the deadline for payment of the entire public debt is postponed, setting a new deadline for its payment. When rescheduling, the obligation is paid in installments - in installments with a certain deadline (maturity), for which a repayment plan is approved.
Own savings
Saving money makes your life easier and gives you financial security in unforeseen situations, and regular contributions to your savings account help you be more responsible for your finances. Having a little more money in your account and seeing it increase over time is certainly better than being in the red every month.
If you have a good reason for urgently needing a large sum of money, resort to your savings. And in case you haven't started saving yet, do it now. Even if you do not have a high salary, put BGN per day in your savings bank and after using the collected money, always start reimbursing the amount again.
Loan from relatives
In a difficult situation, you can borrow money from relatives, friends, colleagues or neighbors. Most people have probably lent or borrowed money from loved ones. The advantage of such a loan is that you usually have to repay exactly as much as you took. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for a delayed or unpaid loan to lead to a breakup.
Never take out loans that you cannot repay. Assess well who you are asking for help and agree on clear conditions for the return of the money. In addition to frequent loans, your loved ones can help you make your own money. Together, look for options to increase your income, such as extra work, training and more.
Loan from a non-banking institution
Borrowing from non-bank financial institutions is normal nowadays. Unlike bank loans, non-bank loans are usually for small amounts, and the institutions that grant them have grown strongly in recent years. These companies are legal entities that provide quick loans to consumers.
In order to choose a reasonable loan, it is important to carefully review the terms of the contract and to get acquainted with the specifics of repayment and interest on the loan. Ease of obtaining funds does not mean that you can approach this deal irresponsibly. Delays in paying contributions can mean higher obligations for you. In case of such a problem, consult the lender again and look for a solution together.
The difference between a private loan and а loan from a private person
Financial institutions in Bulgaria are not state-owned, which makes their loan a "private loan". In principle, things can not go wrong if you know that the amounts you can borrow are not very large and that they will have to be repaid under the terms of the private loan agreement.
To save unnecessary problems, do not enter into relationships with individuals or creditors of money that are not registered as legitimate credit institutions. Avoid moneylenders, private individuals and pawnshops. They can promote their services as loans from individuals at no extra charge. At first glance, this may seem like a real way out of an emergency, but it will probably cause you a lot of headaches.
Risks of borrowing from private individuals
Unlike a loan to yourself or a loved one, this type of loan has both interest and a lot of uncertainty. If you take out a loan from a bank, questions such as fees for early repayment, how are things to change the terms of your loan - installment, term, interest, when your loan may be declared due and how the collateral can be realized, if any such, are largely clear and settled.
In the case of private individuals, however, very often these issues are not clearly regulated in the contract at all or are regulated in such a way that only a person with legal education can understand them. When repaying the loan, it is important to have documentary evidence of the repayment of your installments. Be careful with giving cash or remittances to individuals that the lender may make you do. If you do not protect yourself, there is no one to protect you.
13.05.2022
MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO FINANCE THE EMPLOYMENT OF DISADVANTAGED UNEMPLOYED
As of yesterday, May 12, employers who want to enjoy preferences in hiring unemployed people from disadvantaged groups in the labor market can apply at labor offices. The deadline for applying for funding is May 20 inclusive, and the opportunity is provided by incentive measures of the Employment Promotion Act and the Program for training and employment of the long-term unemployed.
Funds are used to encourage employers who create jobs and employ representatives of disadvantaged groups in the labor market - the unemployed over the age of 55, young people under 29, people with permanent disabilities, the long-term unemployed, people with primary and lower education, mothers with children up to 5 years of age and others. Funds from the state budget stimulate the creation of jobs for internships, apprenticeships, hiring the first 5 people, the so-called "green jobs" and others that can help ensure employment of unemployed people with lower chances for labor realization.
By May 25, the Cooperation Councils of the Labor Office directorates will evaluate the applications submitted by the employers according to the approved methodology with criteria, and within one month after that the approved employers must employ the selected unemployed persons.
Employers can get more information at the labor offices in the country, as well as on the website of the Employment Agency in the section "Announcements for funding by region".
13.05.2022
THE MLSP WILL INVEST OVER BGN 1.2 BILLION THROUGH THE RECOVERY AND SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
The Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (MLSP) will invest a total of BGN 1,224,800,000 through the Recovery and Sustainability Plan of Bulgaria. This is 10% of the value of the entire plan for Bulgaria. The Ministry is the first institution ready to launch a procedure under the Plan. This was said by the Minister of Labor and Social Policy Georgi Gyokov at a blitz control in the National Assembly.
The Reconstruction and Sustainability Plan of Bulgaria sets out 3 reforms and 6 investment intentions within the competence of the MLSP. The reforms are in the areas of minimum income, the process of deinstitutionalization for adults and improving their skills. They will be complemented by the measures financed under the Human Resources Development Program 2021-2027, said Minister Gyokov.
The main focus of the reform in the field of minimum incomes is to expand the scope of support for the needy people with the lowest incomes. Through a change in the Regulations for the implementation of the Social Assistance Act, by 2024 a gradual increase of the differentiated minimum income to 30 percent of the poverty line is envisaged. The document is planned to enter into force on January 1, 2023.
The reform in the field of social services envisages the existing homes for mentally retarded adults, homes for adults with mental disorders, homes for adults with physical disabilities, homes for adults with sensory impairments and homes for adults with dementia to be closed until January 1, 2035 At the same time, all old people's homes should be reformed by January 1, 2025 in accordance with the quality standards of residential care for the elderly over working age, defined in the Ordinance on the quality of social services.
Minister Gyokov also outlined some of the investments that the MLSP envisages in the social department. About BGN 380 million will be set aside for basic digital training for 500,000 unemployed and working people. The construction of 125 new social and integrated health and social services for residential care and 125 accompanying services for people with disabilities is envisaged. 82 existing social services will be reformed according to the new quality standards and energy efficiency activities in approximately 840 existing social services. The budget for this activity is BGN 753 million.
Minister Gyokov also acquainted the deputies from the social commission with the developed measures to support the Ukrainian citizens who fled the war. A procedure is being prepared under which they will be able to receive support for inclusion in employment for a period of up to 6 months. It also provides for the provision of hourly childcare services, as well as psychological assistance, vocational guidance, employment counseling.
13.05.2022
THE STATE HAS PROVIDED OVER 30,000 VACANCIES FOR BULGARIAN AND UKRAINIAN CITIZENS
More than 30,000 vacancies for Bulgarian and Ukrainian citizens, applied for by employers or under subsidized employment measures, are provided by the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, the Employment Agency and the Human Resources Development Program. This was said by the Executive Director of the Employment Agency Smilen Valov during a briefing of the Operational Coordination Group of the Government to support those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
So far, the employees of the labor offices have consulted over 20,000 Ukrainians about the possibilities to start working in our country. More than 10 job fairs were held in different cities. Voluntary questionnaires for their professional competence have also been completed. So far, about 2,400 Ukrainians with temporary protection status have started working under an employment contract.
"As of Monday, we are starting outsourced workstations at 72 points, many of them will be in the resorts. The goal is for the Bulgarian and Ukrainian citizens wishing to start work to be immediately provided with a vacancy with the coordinates of an employer, "Valov explained. He clarified that 75% of employers who have applied for jobs have the opportunity to hire staff immediately, and 50% can provide permanent employment.
The executive director of the Employment Agency also announced that so far more than 16,000 Ukrainians have received one-time benefits of BGN 375.
