Almost twice as many people over 55 are in work in Bulgaria as 20 years ago, official statistics show. In 2005 the number was 340,000.

About 640,000 people of that age were still in the labour force and had a job in 2025, according to an estimate by Assoc. Prof. Zheko Milev, a lecturer at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE).

One in four workers in Bulgaria is over 50, and more than 45% of Bulgarians are older than 50. As the population ages, their weight in the economy will keep growing in the coming years.

Milev expects the trend to continue and calls it very positive. "Without this trend, the pressure on the labour market would be very serious," he said.

Employers look for staff over 50 for their experience, reliability and sense of responsibility. One example is a family-run chocolate firm near Plovdiv. Its owner said these workers come from a generation used to being responsible and to working willingly and with dedication.

A confectioner with many years of experience, whose children are 25 and 17, helps younger colleagues in the workshop. She said she likes the job, enjoys her work and has no problems.

A male colleague said they do not think about retirement at all because it is too early. When you are busy with your work, you do not notice the day pass, he said.

Labour and social policy minister Natalia Efremova called workers over 50 the link between the generations. "Three or four generations can now work in one factory, in one company, each with different experience, and the most experienced can be mentors," she said.

Pensioners who keep working are also a resource for the labour market. Experts say they get their pension from the state's general funds, but they pay social security contributions and tax on their pay.

In the spring, the National Social Security Institute (NOI) updated the pensions of working pensioners. There are more than 350,000 of them, NOI said.