26.04.2022
MORE MONEY FOR RENOVATION OF HOUSES FOR AFFORDABLE ENVIRONMENT
More money for affordable housing and personal mobility of people with disabilities. Due to the great interest, the budget of the state program has been increased by BGN 500,000, and the deadline for project approval is shorter.
This year's campaign for applying for the program for people with disabilities starts today and will last until July 27.
The program provides up to BGN 8,000 for personal mobility and up to BGN 100,000 for accessible housing. Approved projects must be completed by the end of the year.
Component 1 of the program will finance projects for accessible living environment through the construction and installation of ramps, lifting platforms and elevators that facilitate the movement of people with disabilities. The program will allocate up to BGN 100,000 for each approved project proposal. In cases where their value is higher, applicants will be able to co-finance the implementation of eligible activities.
Owners of homes with permanent disabilities who move in wheelchairs with a permanent or current address in the same building can apply for the program. Admissible candidates are also associations of condominium owners in multi-family residential buildings, in which there are people with permanent disabilities, moving in wheelchairs, with a permanent or current address in the same building.
The approved projects under the Personal Mobility component will be financed with up to BGN 8,000. The funds will be allocated for the reconstruction of a car for a person with permanent disabilities and the installation of an auxiliary facility for loading and unloading a wheelchair. For the first time, the program will finance the purchase of a car adapted for drivers with permanent disabilities. Applicants will also be able to receive funding for a driving course.
The right to apply for the Personal Mobility Component belongs to people with permanent disabilities, with a proven deficiency of the lower and / or upper limbs and a decision of the medical examination bodies, which have a document that they are physically fit to be drivers.
The total budget of the National Program for Accessible Housing and Personal Mobility for 2022 is BGN 2.5 million. The funds have increased by BGN 500,000 compared to last year.
Detailed information on the conditions and documents for application for both components can be found on the website of the MLSP (www.mlsp.government.bg section "Policies", category "People with Disabilities", section: "National Program for Accessible Housing" and personal mobility”) or at the following link https://www.mlsp.government.bg/natsionalna-programa-za-dostpna-zhilishchna-sreda-i-lichna-mobilnost-1
26.04.2022
BSMEPA ORGANIZED A DELEGATION OF BULGARIAN COMPANIES TO PARTICIPATE IN A BUSINESS FORUM IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
The Executive Agency for Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (BSMEPA) has formed a business delegation with representatives of employers' organizations and business companies from various sectors, which will accompany the President of the Republic of Bulgaria Rumen Radev during his upcoming official visit to the Czech Republic from 9 to 11 May 2022, reported by the Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA). During the visit, it was agreed to hold a business forum with bilateral meetings between the business circles of the two countries.
The business delegation will include Bulgarian companies from the sectors of mechanical engineering, mechatronics, electronics and electrical engineering, automotive, ICT, high technology, smart agriculture, perfumery and cosmetics, food and wine industry, textiles, green technologies and tourism.
Those wishing to join the business delegation Bulgarian companies need to register here and their representatives to present a copy of ID card/passport no later than April 28, 2022 to the email address s.zapryanova@sme.government.bg.
26.04.2022
HOW TO ORGANIZE A JOB SEARCH - A USEFUL GUIDE
Keep track of your progress
You need to monitor your progress so that you can communicate and track effectively. Organizing all the information about your application in one place will help you a lot.
Keep a copy of each job advertisement you have applied for. Save a copy of the resume you used with the ad, as well as relevant contact information. Here are some ideas on how you can keep this information available:
If you keep your information organized, tracking will be very easy. You will have all the necessary information at your fingertips!
Manage your time, create a schedule and make checklists
Effective job search must be like a working day. Make a schedule and stick to it by setting goals.
For example, set aside three hours a day for your search. Or apply for at least 15 jobs a week. Setting goals will help you stick to an effective strategy. It will also help you maintain self-discipline.
Once you've created a long-term strategy, focus on today. What are the most important things you need to do today to get closer to your goal of finding a new job?
A great way to organize your daily job search is with a classic checklist.
Launch each action item with a verb to increase your productivity.
For example:
21.04.2022
WHAT INFORMATION IS IN OUR HEALTH FILE
The electronic health file is part of the project "Development and implementation of a National Health Information System".
The deadline for the implementation of the project is the end of December 2022. This is the answer of the Minister of Health Asena Serbezova to a question of deputies.
The Minister clarified that currently separate sections of the electronic health file have been developed and they are already available on the health portal https://his.bg/.
With the commissioning of the individual modules, data are entered in the patient's electronic file. For example, data on e-prescriptions issued and executed, immunizations performed, e-referrals issued and data from outpatient examinations are currently being received.
With the introduction of the e-hospitalization module in early August, the receipt of data on treatments in hospitals will begin, the minister added.
21.04.2022
NEW RULES FOR COVID-19 PATIENTS IN OUR COUNTRY ARE PROPOSED
New rules to be applied in our country for people with COVID-19 are provided by the draft Ordinance on the terms and conditions for conducting diagnostics, prevention and control of COVID-19, uploaded for public discussion here.
They envisage the introduction of mandatory isolation of infectious agents and patients with COVID-19 in their designated places of residence for a certain period of time, consistent with the period of contagion and determined by order of the Minister of Health at the suggestion of the Chief State Health Inspector. In order to limit the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, it is necessary to apply a different approach to persons identified as COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 carriers and their contact persons.
It is proposed that any person diagnosed as positive for SARS-CoV-2 be placed under mandatory isolation with a prescription issued by the Director or by a Deputy Director of the Regional Health Inspectorate authorized by him. The requirements and measures that the person should comply with in terms of reducing contact with other persons in the household, compliance with physical distance, hand hygiene, wearing a protective face mask, ventilation to reduce the risk of infection by reducing the likelihood of transmission of the causative agent.
Medical supervision during the obligatory isolation is planned to be performed by a general practitioner or another doctor. In case of necessity of examinations or examinations, appointed by the doctor performing medical supervision, the person under mandatory isolation should notify by phone or e-mail the relevant regional health inspectorate to leave the place of isolation, indicating the time period and the medical institution where perform the examination or research.
Mandatory isolation has been established in a hospital facility after an assessment of the existing epidemic risk of the spread of COVID-19, taking into account the severity of the clinical course of the disease, the age of the person and the presence of concomitant chronic diseases, immunosuppressive conditions and treatments and others, which are the main prerequisites for severe course, complications and death, as well as the social and living conditions in which the person lives and the ability of the person to isolate himself at home, without compromising the need for temporary isolation.
During the epidemic rise in the incidence of COVID-19, the burden on the health system is significant, and access to hospital treatment is difficult in some cases. Therefore, the draft ordinance specifies certain medical and social criteria under which a person positive for COVID-19 can be discharged from a medical institution before full clinical recovery. In such cases, the person continues his isolation at home until the quarantine expires.
A definition of close contact has been introduced to accurately identify individuals at risk of infection after exposure to a COVID-19 case. Persons identified as a confirmed case of COVID-19 who have been ill for up to three months from contact with a person newly infected with SARS-CoV-2 are not subject to quarantine.
Persons who have entered the territory of the country from another country with an epidemic risk of spreading COVID-19 may also be subject to mandatory quarantine. The aim is thus to protect public health from additional imports and the subsequent spread of SARS-CoV-2, including limiting the spread of new variants. With a low or declining incidence of COVID-19 in the country, the quarantine of persons arriving from countries with an epidemic rise or high levels of infection will prevent the emergence of new outbreaks and possible explosions in the country.
The draft ordinance stipulates that the medical supervision of these persons is carried out by their general practitioner or by another doctor, and when they do not have one by the relevant regional health inspectorate. As in the event of clinical symptoms consistent with COVID-19, the person is subject to examination, isolation and treatment.
The draft ordinance states that when registering a case of COVID-19 in an organized labor or children's/student team, an epidemiological study is conducted by the relevant regional health inspectorate and prescribe measures aimed at identifying the sources of infection and their isolation, the susceptible population and its quarantine, as well as the environment (disinfection). It is admitted that in the course of the epidemiological study the regional health inspectorate may order additional hygienic and anti-epidemic measures, in accordance with the development of the epidemic process.
21.04.2022
ENTREPRENEURSHIP: HOW DO FAMILY COMPANIES SUCCEED IN BULGARIA?
The long-term perspective of management is the key factor for the success of family companies in Bulgaria according to ¾ from the owners of family businesses in our country. The entrepreneurship and adaptability of the founders, as well as the long-term focus on the high quality of the products are the next most important criteria that determine the success of family companies. 100% of the participants share the statement that it is prestigious to be part of a family business.
This is shown by the data from a survey of EY Bulgaria among family business owners, conducted recently in Bulgaria. It includes first and second generation family business owners from various industries. Between 3 and 5 people from each family are involved in each of the businesses.
In Bulgaria, most family companies were established in the 1990s. They are already actively managed by second-generation owners, whose age is close to that of businesses. According to the data of the National Statistical Institute, by the end of 2020 the companies in Bulgaria that self-identify as a family business represent about 25% of all active enterprises in the country.
"At EY, we are working on various programs to support family companies in their quest to develop sustainably and long-term in both the Bulgarian and international markets. We already have many successful examples of family businesses that have gone through various crises and become market leaders. We have selected some of these inspiring stories in the third edition of the Book of Family Business in Bulgaria, because we believe that family business can be the backbone of the Bulgarian economy in the long run," said Diana Nikolaeva, partner and head of „Strategy and Deals“ In EY Bulgaria.
"Based on our experience, I can say that no matter what business opportunities they have and whatever business proposals they receive, family companies always strive to keep the core business and property within the family." According to her, this gives the Bulgarian economy a core of sustainable businesses, which in most cases always remain Bulgarian property with well-established relationships with local communities.
83% of respondents in the survey deny the likelihood that the family will sell the main operating company, but at the same time 2/3 of them say that in the future they would look for a partner to further develop their business. Only 17% believe that there is a high probability that the family will make the main company public to the next generation of owners.
EY experts' observations show that family-owned companies often retain company management within the family. Interestingly, however, most of them lack a clear "family constitution" to show how business will be run over time. 75% of businesses admit that family members and the next generation are not fully prepared for continuity, but initial talks are already underway in the family. The remaining 25% believe that they are prepared to some extent, relying on the assistance of external advisers.
Undoubtedly, the most important skill and quality for involving the younger generation in the family business is leadership. It was mentioned by every 9 out of 10 participants in the study. Preservation of family values is highlighted by 82%, and development strategy, management skills and entrepreneurship are ranked immediately after in the rankings.
The growth of business in Bulgaria and the increasingly active presence in international markets go hand in hand in the business goals of family companies in our country. 73% of the participants in the survey say that they already operate outside the country.
Despite the challenging economic environment, the family companies are optimistic about the development of their business and expect in the next 12 months growth in their revenues and the number of employees. In the short term, they plan to invest in research and development of new products and services, production capacity and human capital.
To improve the efficiency of companies in recent years, owners have introduced improvements in management processes, including digitalization. The other main investment was focused on policies to retain employees and start working with more external consultants.
The biggest challenge for business development and a catalyst for significant changes in the first place is the shortage of qualified staff (91%) and rising costs of wages and raw materials - 73%.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected family businesses to varying degrees, depending on the field in which they operate. However, the measures taken by them to deal with the situation are similar, shared by 2/3 of the companies - adapting financial plans and increasing the focus on the culture of solidarity and empathy in the organization.
21.04.2022
WITH HIGHER SALARIES THEY ARE LOOKING FOR STAFF FOR THE SEA
On the eve of the summer season, the tourism industry is still short of staff. The greatest demand is for maids, cooks, waiters and bartenders. Deficit positions also imply more attractive pay.
The hotel and restaurant industry is among the economic activities with the largest increase in wages by the end of 2021. Statisticians note an increase of 19 percent. The main reason is the chronic shortage of staff that has accompanied the sector for several years. With the exit of the COVID pandemic, this famine intensified.
"This year, the announcement of jobs in the field of tourism began earlier. As early as the end of February, we started receiving applications from employers who announced vacancies for hiring, although in May - early May or early June," said Severina Savova - Director of the Labor Office in Dobrich.
On the North Black Sea coast, cleaning and maintenance staff are most in demand.
"This year we are recruiting maids, waiters, cooks, bartenders. We will motivate them with good attitude, normal salaries and work in a good team. For example, an assistant chef starts from 1000 - 1100 and up", adds Rumen Mihaylov, manager of the hotel in the "White Lagoon".
"There were ads in the range of BGN 1,500, 1,800 based on what we have announced and still declared by employers," Savova added.
The salaries of the waiters can reach up to BGN 2,000, Savova clarifies, and everything is a matter of negotiation. Employers in large complexes are also trying to attract maids with attractive pay.
"This year the salary is BGN 1,350 gross, which is a normal salary for Bulgaria at the moment," Mihaylov added.
The remuneration of BGN 1,500 purely for a maid is not a chimera, the Albena Resort says.
"It is very important that people are familiar with the offer in detail, ie whether it is a six-day working week, how many hours and what exactly is included in the work, so that such a salary can be received - of course, it should is made", commented Velina Gyumova, senior sales manager at Albena Resort.
Such attractive payment is not expected in smaller accommodation facilities.
"Normal salaries for maids are somewhere around BGN 800 net, and of course there may be additional bonuses that will be associated with food vouchers," added the manager of a hotel in Balchik Plamen Kozarev.
Most of the ads for seasonal workers in tourism include food vouchers of BGN 80 per month, free transport to the workplace or accommodation at the employer's base. In recent years, the lack of staff in our country has been compensated by imported labor. This summer, businesses will also rely on Ukrainian refugees.
21.04.2022
WHAT AMOUNT PER HECTARE WILL FARMERS RECEIVE THIS YEAR
This year, farmers will receive BGN 121.63 per hectare under the so-called Green direct payments, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.
The money is directed to farmers who follow practices that are favorable for the climate and the environment.
The area established for support under the scheme is nearly 3.804 million hectares. This year's rate is BGN 10 per hectare lower than last year, the money is expected to reach farmers by the end of this month.
According to the indicative schedule of the Agriculture Fund, the support under the protein crop and cotton schemes must be paid by the end of April.
21.04.2022
HOW CAN WORK EXPERIENCE BE PROVEN IF THERE IS NO DATA IN THE NSSI
If there is no data about the person in the payrolls submitted to the NSSI, a certificate UP-17 is issued, which will serve before the court to establish work and insurance experience in court.
The certificate is issued on the basis of an application submitted to the Territorial Division of the NSSI in a form that can be found in the "Forms" section of the NSSI website, the experts explain.
It can also be obtained on the spot in the Territorial Division of the National Social Security Institute or a regional archive center.
The application is submitted in person or through an authorized person, and the power of attorney does not need to be notarized if the authorized person is a parent, spouse or child.
The power of attorney must indicate the kinship.
The application can be submitted to any branch of the National Social Security Institute or a regional archive center, regardless of where the payrolls are stored, as well as electronically.
HOW TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE EXPERIENCE
Certificates of insurance experience/income are issued by the NSSI free of charge, within 30 days.
Certificates are received:
- in person or by an authorized person. The power of attorney does not need to be notarized if the authorized person is a parent, spouse or child. The power of attorney must indicate the kinship;
- through a licensed postal operator - when the application is not signed and in case of doubt whether it comes from the citizen indicated in it, the administrative body requires its confirmation with handwritten or electronic signature within three days from the notification. In case of non-confirmation in time, the proceedings on the submitted application shall be terminated.
- electronically to the specified e-mail address.
HOW TO GET A CERTIFICATE FOR LACK OF DEBT
An application for a certificate of presence or absence of obligations may be submitted by a natural or legal person entered in the register of the NRA. Certificate of the presence or absence of obligations can be obtained online in the Electronic Services Portal of the NRA.
How and where to apply
The request for issuance of the document can be submitted on site at a NRA office, through a licensed postal operator or through the NRA Electronic Services Portal, accessible with classified electronic signature (QES) or personal identification code (PIC), issued by the Revenue Agency with the runway the service is available only for individuals, including as sole proprietors, self-insured persons and owners of an enterprise organized in a craft way).
This service is provided by the relevant competent TD of the NRA.
If you have a qualified electronic signature, in order to use the service, the following must be submitted:
- Application for submission of documents electronically and use of electronic services provided by the NRA with QES to an obligated person and confirmed full/partial access to the services of the NRA, or
- Application for submission of documents electronically and use of electronic services provided by the NRA with QES to an authorized person with requested and confirmed full/partial access to the service "Request for issuance of documents".
To make the PIC service available, an application should have been submitted with the requested use of the service "Submission of declarations, documents or data".
When submitting the request for issuance of documents on paper, a check of the representative power of the person and logical control for the correctness of filling in the form is performed. An incoming number is issued. It proceeds to perform actions for processing the request.
Do we owe fees?
The NRA does not collect fees for the services offered.
Deadline for issuance
Up to 7 days from the receipt of the request;
up to 14 days from the receipt of the request, in cases where it is submitted through a different from the competent TD of the NRA.
Result of the service
Issuance of a certificate for the presence or absence of obligations. In the absence of grounds for issuing a certificate, a Decision for refusal shall be issued.
How to get the document
The certificate of presence or absence of obligation shall be served:
- personally to the person;
- to a person authorized by a notarized power of attorney in the presence of obligations;
- to an authorized person in the absence of obligations;
- to a person explicitly indicated in the request by the obligated person before the revenue authority;
- after presenting an act of the court;
- electronically by e-mail, specified in the request by an obligated person, in the form of an electronic document signed with QES;
- electronically to the institution requesting it, for which purpose the person must have explicitly indicated in the request for issuance of documents an e-mail address to which the document signed by the revenue authority with electronic signature should be sent.
20.04.2022
OVER 653 THOUSAND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES RECEIVE MONTHLY FINANCIAL SUPPORT
An average of 653,503 people received monthly financial support under the Law on People with Disabilities in the period January-March 2022. This is shown by the data of the Agency for Social Assistance at the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy. Adults with permanent disabilities (with an established type and degree of disability or a degree of permanently reduced working capacity of 50 or over 50%) are entitled to such support.
The amount of aid is a percentage of the poverty line according to the degree of disability and is updated annually according to its amount. In 2022, it increased to BGN 413, which led to a nearly 12% increase in monthly financial support for people with disabilities.
The highest amount is received by people with more than 90 percent degree of disability with the right to foreign assistance, who receive a social disability pension. They receive BGN 235.41 monthly financial support under the Law on People with Disabilities. For people with more than 90 percent degree of disability with certain foreign aid, who receive a disability pension due to general illness or due to an accident at work or occupational disease, its amount is BGN 123.90. People with more than 90 percent degree of disability receive a monthly financial support of BGN 103.25 per month. For people with 71 to 90 percent degree of disability its amount is BGN 61.95, and for people with 50 to 70.99 degree of disability - BGN 28.91.
The expenses for payment of monthly financial support in the first quarter of 2022 are BGN 121,215,805 - more than BGN 6 million more compared to the same period last year.
