Bulgaria's Unemployment Rate Falls to 9.3% in April

In April 2011, the unemployment rate stood at 9.3%, extending a downward trend from previous months, announced Labor and Social Policy Minister Totyu Mladenov.

According to Mladenov, as quoted by BNR, the trend should continue in the summer months due to seasonal work, subsidiary employment and the measures financed by the European Social Fund.

Minister Mladenov presented the statistics to representatives of German business in Bulgaria.

Mladenov reiterated the ambitious yet attainable goal stipulated in the Europe 20/20 strategy - a 76% employment rate against a 53% share of people over 55 years and 7% youth unemployment . In his words, the labor market was turning to the youths, putting an emphasis on flexible forms of employment and integration of underprivileged groups.

Mladenov listed the programs that were yet to be opened- operation "Close to Work", which would finance work-related travel expenses within 80 km distance, as well as the operations "I can ", "Safe Labor", "Development of Social Initiatives in Enterprises" for the financing of social activities like organizing spots for recreation, eating and childcare at workplaces.