In September, 13,836 unemployed people found jobs through labour offices across Bulgaria, the Employment Agency said. Employers advertised 10,800 vacancies on the primary labour market, 1,141 more than in August, a rise of 12%.
In all, 15,000 people got help to find a job, move up in their profession or change it. Besides the unemployed, they include 1,164 people who were in work, students and pensioners.
At the end of September, registered unemployment was 5.43%, with 154,096 unemployed people on the labour office lists. The rate shows what share of the economically active population aged 15 to 64 is registered as unemployed. The agency calculates it from 2021 census data.
Some 505 people from vulnerable groups started work under subsidised jobs programmes and schemes. They include people with disabilities, young people with no work experience, people over 55 and the long-term unemployed. The Human Resources Development programme 2021–2027, co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus, found jobs for 445 of them.
The agency also looks for people who neither work nor are registered as unemployed. Roma mediators help them and put them in touch with the labour offices. In September, more than 5,280 economically inactive people were encouraged to look for work.
Most vacancies are in education, manufacturing, public administration, trade and car repair. Employers are also looking for staff in administrative and support services, hotels and restaurants, health care and social work.
In September, the most sought-after workers were teachers, care workers, sales assistants and motor vehicle drivers. Employers also said they need operators of stationary machines and equipment, as well as workers in mining, manufacturing, construction and transport.
There are also vacancies for business and administration professionals, food, clothing and woodwork producers, personal services staff, cleaners and helpers, and waste collection workers.