State, Problems and Perspectives for Improving Employment

The state, resources and prerequisites for the employment growth in Bulgaria have been outlined. Approximate calculations of annual increases in the number of employed in the near future have been made with a view to the achievement of the generally accepted aims of the EU member states. Emphasis is put on the changes in the quantity indicators and the coefficients of employment, economic activity and unemployment. Possibilities for raising the number of employed through decreasing that of unemployed have been examined, as well as the growth in employment of at risk groups on the labour market such as women, youth, and elderly. General socio-economic and political prerequisites for employment growth have been presented in detail. The basic parameters of economic growth have been pointed out. It is proven that growth is still not a sufficient condition for an increase in employment. The sector structure of employed has been described in detail, as well as the possible and desired changes; distribution of employed in large, medium and small-sized enterprises and positive perspectives related to restricting the employment in the grey economy. Basic characteristics of the labour market policies, implemented in Bulgaria, have been presented as a main precondition for improving employment. Directions for changing them in the future have been outlined.