Bulgaria Contract Labor Numbers down by 6,3% Y/Y

While average salaries rose slightly, the NSI September report on labor employment was mostly negative news. Photo by NSI

Bulgaria's workers under labor contract fell by 2,7% in the third quarter of 2009 down to 2,34 M, compared to the second quarter.

According to the preliminary report on the state of Bulgarian employment for the first three quarters of 2009, published by the National Statistical Institute (NSI), the worst-hit sectors were those of waste and remediation (-14%), accommodation and food services (-13,0%), and construction (-7,0%).

These negative figures were slightly offset by an increase (1,9%) in the numbers of employees of information and communication services.

The largest market share of employees is in the manufacturing sector (23,2%), and in motor repairs (18,5%). Both registered a decrease in employment, by 1,9% and 0,9%, respectively.

Year on year, data for September 2009 shows a decline of 6,3% overall, with construction again being hard-hit, with a decrease of 16,3% in comparison with 2008.

Average monthly salaries in September increased by BGN 7, compared with June 2009, the report states.