site.btaEmployers See Human Resources Shortage as Main Obstacle to Business

Employers See Human Resources Shortage as Main Obstacle to Business

Sofia, February 6 (BTA) - Employers have four key priorities: provision of human resources for the economy, improvement of the business environment, preparation of the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council, and development of the capital market, Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association (BICA) Chairman Vassil Velev said at the BTA National Press Club on Monday, presenting the positions of the Association of the Organisations of Bulgarian Employers on the country's development in 2017.

"The shortage of human resources - and not just highly skilled resources, is a major obstacle to business," Velev said. "The education system needs a quick and efficient reform," he added. "Taxpayers pay money which does not return to the economy. The 'money follows the pupil' principle needs to be reconsidered, and vocational education must be given a new lease of life because the vocational secondary schools have been turned into foreign language schools," the BICA Chairman argued.

"The labour emigration policy needs to be changed, and the import of workforce, mainly technical personnel, has to be eased. Agreements on import of workers have to be sought with third countries," Velev said. He cited the example of EU Member States which have such agreements with countries like Ukraine, Moldova and Armenia.

"Since employers have been paying for the first three days of sick leaves, their number has increased from 7 million to 13.5 million annually," said Bulgarian Industrial Association Executive President Bojidar Danev. "Seniority bonuses impede business," he argued.

"An increase of the direct taxes on income will hit the middle class," said Confederation of Employers and Industrialists in Bulgaria President Kiril Domouschiev and called for keeping the present tax system. "We don't need new TPPs and funnelling billions into the nuclear power industry. Whoever wants to build an N-plant, let him take the risk and build without state participation and guarantees," he said.

"E-governance is a priority on which the business community insists. It must extend to all public activities, including healthcare and justice," said Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Tsvetan Simeonov. "Even the slightest tax increase immediately affects the international economic rankings," he added.