New Employment Program: 15,000 Jobs for the Long-Term Unemployed, Youth, and People Over 55

A budget of 41 million euros for a period of two years will be directed towards the creation of nearly 15,000 jobs for the long-term unemployed, people with disabilities, young people without work experience, and people over 55 years of age who do not have sufficient insurance to qualify for a pension. This was announced by the caretaker Minister of Labor and Social Policy, Hassan Ademov, at a briefing in the Council of Ministers.

The government has adopted a coordination mechanism for the implementation of the initiative "Together Without Barriers", funded by the Operational Program "Human Resources Development" of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (MLSP), explained Ademov. 

The coordination mechanism includes the MLSP, the Ministry of Interior, the National Association of Municipalities, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Environment and Water, and the Ministry of Agriculture.

These institutions will determine the critical infrastructure that can be supported through preventive activities related to the cleaning of riverbeds, ravines, drainage canals, and other infrastructure at risk in disaster situations.

Under the leadership of the regional governors, the municipalities will determine both the critical infrastructure and the number of unemployed needed to carry out the activities. 

Ademov pointed out that in situations like the one in Targovishte a few days ago, municipalities will be able to quickly conclude contracts with the Employment Agency to provide timely support. "The unemployed should have the opportunity not to be beneficiaries of the social system, but to earn income through work that will help them in their daily lives," said the minister.

According to him, employment under the program will be provided according to the individual characteristics of the unemployed - for one group - up to six months, and for another - up to two years. For people over 55 years of age, employment will be for a period of up to two years.

Ademov also announced that to date, 45,200 applications have been submitted for the compensation of 20 euros for March from people who are entitled to such support. He clarified that another 1.1 million people can receive the compensation, as they have bank accounts with the Social Assistance Agency. After assessment by the National Revenue Agency, they will also receive the amount due to them, the minister added.