site.btaUnemployment in Bulgaria at 5.8% in February

The level of registered unemployment in Bulgaria was 5.8% in February and remained stable on a monthly basis, the press centre of the Bulgarian Employment Agency (EA) reported. The number of registered unemployed people at the end of the month is 165,585 in total, down by 255 people compared to January, the Agency said.

In February 12, 484 unemployed people started working with the assistance of AЕ, which is 1,141 more than in the previous month. Most of them were employed in the processing industry - 15.8% and in trade - 14.6%. A total of 355 pensioners, students and employees found jobs with the support of job centres. A total of 322 members of at-risk groups found work through subsidized jobs.

The data also show that 121 unemployed and employed people were enrolled in various training courses, and 373 people completed training started in previous months, acquiring a new profession or key competence. In February, 19,910 new unemployed persons registered at job centres, which is a 25% decrease compared to January. Another 814 jobseekers, who are students or pensioners also registered at job centres during the month.

 As a result of the work of the Roma and youth mediators at job centres, over 4,300 inactive persons were employed.

The largest number of vacancies are in manufacturing (23.4%), trade (13.0%), hotels and restaurants (12.6%), public administration (11.7%), followed by agriculture, forestry and fishing (7%), administrative and support activities (6.8%).  

Continuing the policy of raising people’s incomes is among the priorities of the Labour and Social Policy Ministry, said outgoing Minister Ivanka Shalapatova during the report on the Government’s work done in its nine months in office.