Seasonal Jobs Lower Slightly Bulgaria's Unemployment Rate

The slight drop of the unemployment rate in Bulgaria in April is attributed to seasonal job openings. File photo

The unemployment rate in Bulgaria in April 2013 was 11.6%, which is by 0.2% lower than in March.

The data was released Friday by the country's Labor Agency.

380 485 Bulgarians were registered with the Labor Bureaus in April, which is by 8 038 fewer than in March.

The labor market remains under the effect of the seasonal jobs factor. In April, a significant increase is noted in the number of those who have found jobs under programs for encouraging employment – about 3 000 people.

The newly registered unemployed were 45 673, with 37% of them (16 841) coming from the private sector, which is 8% lower than in March.

32 528 individuals have found jobs – by 11 595 more compared to the previous month.

16 790 job openings have been reported to Labor Bureaus -  by 354 more than in March; most of them – 70% or 11 750 coming from the private sector.

In April 2013, most job openings were seasonal – in the manufacturing, tourism, retail, farming, forestry, construction and transport sectors.

The largest job increases came from tourism, construction and retail.