THE EMPLOYMENT AGENCY PROMOTES JOB MOBILITY FOR NEWCOMERS.

The Employment Agency provides financial assistance to unemployed people who started work in a place different from their residence.

In 2021, the Employment Agency provides financial assistance to unemployed people who start working in a place other than their residence. The measures for the promotion of labour mobility are regulated in art. 42 of the Employment Promotion Act and support the unemployed who have a job requiring daily travel by public intercity transport or changing their residence to work more than 50 km from their home or current address.

The newly hired unemployed can receive for a period of up to 12 months 50 per cent of the actual daily transport costs for long-distance travel to work and back. In addition, those who have changed their place of residence due to starting position in a settlement more than 50 km from their place of residence can receive financial support to reimburse part of the rental costs, a fee for a nursery/kindergarten and internet services. These funds are also granted for no more than 12 months, and their amount is up to BGN 200 per month.

Unemployed persons registered with the labour offices, including young people leaving specialized institutions or using social services in the community of a resident type, can benefit from the measure. The expectations are that this will stimulate their motivation for independence. Aid is also provided for the unemployed and their families - to start working in another settlement, bearing part of the costs for a normal standard of living. The Employment Agency creates conditions for greater mobility and activity of the unemployed, especially those with professional skills while responding to the increased demand for skilled labour by businesses.

Detailed information can be obtained at any labour office in the country or here.

In 2020, a total of 102 unemployed persons received funds for daily or monthly expenses after starting work in a settlement other than their place of residence. So far, in 2021, funds have been provided to support another 70 unemployed people.