Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

BICA pushes for easier labour import and faster increase in retirement age

Photo: EPA/BGNES

The Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association (BICA) insists on reforming the pension system and accelerating the rate of increase of the retirement age for men and women, as well as easing the administrative procedures for importing labour from third countries. The employers' recommendation is in connection with the forthcoming presentation of Bulgaria's draft budget for 2024.

Labour shortages for industry are the main deterrent to accelerated GDP growth, as is the lack of skilled workers. Bulgaria continues to rank last in the EU in terms of participation in lifelong learning activities involving vocational qualifications, with an EU average of 11.3% and a national average of only 2%. Those with at least basic skills in digital technologies are only 31%, compared to 54% in the EU, the association said.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Career and Life - Why in Bulgaria Forum took place in London

A forum entitled "Career and Life - Why in Bulgaria?", organized by the Bulgaria Wants You platform, was held at the Royal Geographical Society in London on October 20. The event, which took place for the second time, attracted significant..

published on 10/21/24 9:28 AM

Fitch Ratings: Sofia could be ready to adopt the euro in early 2025

International rating agency Fitch Ratings has affirmed Bulgaria's long-term foreign and local currency credit rating at BBB with a positive outlook, the Finance Ministry said. The positive outlook reflects the country's prospects for eurozone..

published on 10/19/24 1:43 PM

After data update, Bulgaria's GDP for 2023 has increased

In 2023, Bulgaria's GDP growth was 1.9% higher in real terms compared to 2022. This is 0.1 percent more than the initially announced growth of 1.8%, the National Statistical Institute has reported.  The chairman of the institute,..

published on 10/18/24 1:30 PM