Media Review 9.4.2024/XNUMX/XNUMX (Tuesday)

1. Employers

bta.bg – BTA :: The "National Career Days" forum started at Veliko Tarnovo University, 15 companies from different business sectors opened their stands

Published: 09.04.2024/13/50 XNUMX:XNUMX

At Veliko Tarnovo University, the "National Career Days" forum began, 15 companies from various business sectors opened their stands. Rector Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov and Hristiyan Petkov, operational director of JobTiger, opened the forum.

Our goal is to help students meet the companies that offer internships and work, by navigating the labor market, Prof. Dimitrov said at the opening. We have been organizing meetings between young people and their potential for more than 20 years employers, in different periods, the effect is different, but the statistics show that every sixth visitor to the forum found their fulfillment through this format, Hristiyan Petkov commented for BTA.

He noted that today he sees young people presenting the companies and institutions where they started working years ago, after meeting their employers on a similar forum, to current students.

In this year's edition, representatives of manufacturing and commercial companies, outsourcing services, foreign agencies for hiring young people for work abroad, as well as experts from the Human Resources Development Center, which manages the largest educational programs in the European Union - "Erasmus+" participate ” and the Youth Solidarity Corps.

According to Yuri Konstantinov, a representative of the institution, more than 48 million euros on an annual basis are managed under these projects, the majority of which is related to mobility and the exchange of practices at all levels of education. He and his team explained to the visitors some of the accompanying activities of the programs, such as the preparation of European CVs, cover letters, applications for different competences to be accessible to all employers weight.

Representatives of one of the largest retail chains in the country announced positions suitable for students studying economics. According to Elena Mikhalkova from the "People and Culture" department at one of them, the opportunities for young people are great both in developing skills and in growing to higher paid positions.

We offer internship programs that are well paid and give the option of concluding a future employment contract, said Nevena Todorova, a representative of a large international company engaged in the production of machine-building elements and trade.

Radostina Trichkova, HR specialist at a company that deals with video surveillance and security of objects abroad, pointed out that young people are looking for well-paid work, but they are increasingly interested in what kind of team they will work with.

A large part of the young people who visited the exchange are of the opinion that the combination between study and work is fruitful after the first years of accumulating basic knowledge. Both I and other colleagues of mine study and work at the same time to cover our expenses, said Pavlin Hristov, a third-year student. He noted that he works in the restaurant industry, but attends the forum to find an opportunity for future realization in the field of economics.

https://www.bta.bg/bg/news/economy/650209-vav-velikotarnovskiya-universitet-zapochna-forumat-natsionalni-dni-na-karierata

money.bg - Job crisis in the EU - 75% of employers cannot find qualified employees

Published: 09.04.2024/11/25 XNUMX:XNUMX

Nearly 75% of the employers in 21 European countries could not find workers with the required skills in 2023. This is a dramatic increase from 42% in 2018 or a 33% increase. Skills shortages are increasingly becoming a serious problem for the employers throughout Europe. In 2023, 54% of EU SMEs believe that the difficulty of finding employees with the right skills is one of their most serious problems. According to a survey by global company ManpowerGroup, three out of four employers in 21 European countries they cannot find the necessary skills. The study, published in October 2023 and cited by Euronews, found that staff shortages are a significant global challenge. The shortage varies across European countries, with 59% of the employers in Finland have similar problems, as do 82% in Germany and Greece. "There is a drop in unemployment in Europe, which means there are not enough skilled workers to fill existing or new jobs. Europe has an aging population, with the global decline in the birth rate also contributing to the lack of skills and qualifications we see today," said Mara Stephan, vice president of Global Insights at ManpowerGroup, quoted by Euronews Business. In 2018, the average was just 42% in these countries, ranging from 18% in Ireland to 81% in Romania. With the exception of Romania, the share of the employers, who cannot find the skills they need increased significantly between 2018 and 2023. The jump was significant in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Spain and France This increase was more than 50% in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Spain and France. For example, from 18% in Ireland, this figure rises to 81%. In Great Britain - from 19% to 80%. And other employers in Europe suffer from the lack of skilled labor in the Netherlands (47%), Norway (44%), Switzerland (40%), Belgium (39%) and Italy (38%). Cofas: Construction and housing sectors face labor shortages and high interest rates Forecasts for 2024 Staff shortages are a serious problem According to Eurobarometer survey data from the end of 2023, about 54% of small and medium-sized enterprises in the EU identify difficulties in finding employees with the right skills as one of the top three most serious problems for their company. Overall, the percentage varies from 28% in Turkey to 68% in Belgium. This figure is 50% or above in 20 out of 34 countries. This is the most commonly identified serious problem for companies, followed by regulatory obstacles or administrative burden (34%). For which personnel is there the greatest shortage? For a third of small and medium-sized enterprises, the shortage of technically trained personnel, such as laboratory workers and mechanics, is severe. Nearly half (42%) of European SMEs report facing a shortage of technicians. This is the most commonly identified occupation with a skills shortage. When it comes to customer service companies, about 23% of survey participants say there is a skills shortage for positions such as sales professionals, consultants, receptionists, etc. The occupations that will be on the rise in Europe in 2024 One trend stands out for most European capitals The main reasons for skills shortages Around 56% of the employers in the EU are of the opinion that there are few or no candidates. This is the predominant factor, ranging from 18% in Sweden to 73% in Belgium. All the Nordic countries report lower than EU average figures for no applicants, while Norway and Denmark are close to average levels. The main reasons, according to the employers, are that applicants do not have the appropriate qualifications, skills or experience. According to the European Commission, labor and skills shortages have been increasing in all member states for a decade. This shortage is mainly due to demographic changes, the demand for new skills related to technological development. challenges related to working conditions. The EU's working-age population has fallen from 269 million in 2012 to 264 million in 2021. And it's set to drop further.

https://money.bg/economics/kriza-s-rabotnite-mesta-v-es-75-ot-rabotodatelite-ne-mogat-da-nameryat-kvalifitsirani-sluzhiteli.html

Plamen Dimitrov after a meeting with Mayor Baikushev: There is no way that in Blagoevgrad we have the lowest wages in the private sector, BGN 1148, and 34% work on the minimum wage

Published: 09.04.2024/00/34 XNUMX:XNUMX

KNSB leader Plamen Dimitrov was in Blagoevgrad yesterday in connection with the union's national campaign, aimed at incomes and salaries and collective labor agreements. He met with Mayor Metodi Baikushev and after the conversation commented on the topics discussed between the two for "Struma".

"We congratulated the mayor for what he has done together with us regarding the salaries of those working in school and child health care, those working in local activities with funding from the municipal budget, and we continue to look for a solution together in social activities and services," said the leader of the KNSB and added: "We see a desire to prioritize those working in the administration, state delegated and related local activities, and this is an important sign for us for these few months in office. I told him in a straight text that we give him a positive assessment and it comes from the people, because we have nothing to do with politics and the mess in it. What we have asked for is local government support for our campaign to secure workers' rights and higher wages. It derives from several legal documents, two directives, a decision of the International Labor Organization, etc.. and the focus is the fight against the gray economy. There is no way that in Blagoevgrad we have the lowest wages in the private sector - BGN 1148, on the one hand, on the other hand - 34% of all employees work on the minimum wage. The two things complement each other as a conclusion, and it is gray - there is no way we can have a salary of nearly 1800 BGN in the public sector, while those working in the private sector are 600-700 BGN less, this is impossible in the same city or area. This obviously requires a joint effort from both the executive and the legislature, but at the local level we must show that we are uncompromising. This has to stop and more and more politicians have started to say that Bulgaria is no longer the destination of cheap labour. In some places this is decorative, in most it is seen that concrete steps are being taken in this spirit, and in Blagoevgrad investors who share this vision should be sought, and the mayor should set the tone for the development of bright business in the country.

In a meeting earlier this morning with one of the big guys employers an idea arose to make a group of readers employers, who, together with us and the local government, should declare that we want the others to realize that they work either on the edge of the law, or outside the law, or are in the gray area that will be illuminated. How we're going to do it - as a union we're starting to make a list of the employers, who pay minimum wage in the enterprise to 60-70% of workers, which obviously cannot be true. We will publicize them and require all control institutions to visit them more often. We will ask for more frequent contacts with the topic likes of the employer, or not, we will be going in there more often to talk to the workers to help the lightening process.

The other important thing that we managed to do last year is to change the Penal Code, 1746 is the new article that says that whoever prevents the creation of a trade union organization is imprisoned for up to 3 years and fined BGN 5000, and for re- similar action – 5 years in prison and a BGN 10 fine. These are effective texts, and if someone continues to say that there are no unions in his company, we will visit him and put him in these sleeping institutions, gather the necessary evidence and put him in prison. I say this without emotion or throwaway. The directive on equal and transparent pay throws the widespread expression "Salaries are a company secret" into the past. To the conscientious employers we will show that there is someone to fight with them against unfair competition, and we will help those who do not want to come out of the gray sector to do so voluntarily.

Of course, the mayor cannot do our work, but in the Blagoevgrad region, people cannot continue to live worriedly, work and receive the lowest wages, there are no reasons for this!" said Plamen Dimitrov.

http://clippingpoint.net/article/bc8cde5d0665e614bf3a4baadff9d7ee03ebafe0

bloombergtv.bg - Lack of personnel by the sea: businesses attract workers from Turkey

Published: 08.04.2024/16/30 XNUMX:XNUMX

A serious shortage of workers is expected for the summer season, with jobs not expected to be filled until its end. An increase in the recruitment of personnel from Turkey is visible. Employers they cannot afford to attract personnel from distant countries because of the high transport costs. Average wage growth in the country is expected to continue at a slightly slower pace, with forecasts for around 9-10% this year. Social responsibility is extremely important for the younger generations who will choose the employers according to this principle in the next few years, this was commented by Georgi K. Parvanov, HR expert and member of the Board of the Bulgarian Labor Confederation, in the program "In development" with presenter Veselin Spasova.

The labor market is in a unique situation with unemployment stabilized at levels just above 5%, open positions are fewer, but there is a physical shortage of staff and a slight slowdown in wage growth, which is forecast to rise by 9-10%, Parvanov said. The unemployed in the country are around 140-160 thousand, most of whom are either unqualified or not looking for work, and in anticipation of the summer season, businesses related to tourism report a lack of more than 20 workers.

It is expected that this shortage of personnel during the summer season will continue until its end. Businesses are trying to attract Bulgarian personnel, but they are physically missing. The solution for businesses is the import of personnel from countries outside the EU, with an increase in the demand for personnel from Turkey. The seasonal ones employers they would not turn to very distant countries as the laborer's transportation costs are very high. The average salaries in Sofia reached almost BGN 3, and the average in the IT sector is around BGN 000.

"All attitudes are to continue with aggressive wage growth. It is likely that the policy will continue in this direction. Bulgaria continues to have the lowest average salary in the EU, but it is catching up with the countries of Southern Europe at a fairly fast pace, if we talk in net terms. If we talk about the average growth of wages, almost all experts orient themselves around a growth of 9-10% for this year. If we talk about the usual record holder Chelopech, they will pass an average salary of BGN 4 this year or next. Such are the expectations for wage growth, but an idea more moderate than last year and the year before."
The North West continues to be one of the poorest regions in the EU, but there is movement in the industrial and IT sectors. New investments in the region are a prerequisite for improving the standard of living.

The younger generations are not interested in the industrial sector and production. They are moving towards professions that require more creativity and the use of new technologies. It is important to them the employer to have a cause and social responsibility. The guest explained that the subject of ESG will become increasingly key in job selection for young people. The employer will need to build its brand to attract workers."In the next 6-7 years until 2030 (social responsibility, ESG) will certainly become a bigger topic, but here as well as every positive such as - the import of personnel from third countries and our acceptance into Schengen, there are also negative. Upon our entry into Schengen, we risk that some of these workers from third countries will leave Bulgaria. In ESG, the risk that is associated with a rather large expense in connection with the introduction of new procedures, policies and control systems for companies. This process will be tough for small and medium-sized businesses and it remains to be seen what grant schemes and opportunities the state has to help businesses, but in the next 5-7 years we will see job advertisements change as remote work becomes part of the requirements and acquisitions, I also expect ESG to be the next such thing and everything related to nature conservation will be a plus for companies and the employers. "

After the accession of Bulgaria to the Eurozone, there will be pressure for an increase in wages. At present, the catch-up of European remuneration values ​​is due to a number of factors. One of the reasons is the slowdown in economic growth in the larger economies in Europe. The guest explained that the difference between the net remuneration in most sectors is already around 20-30%, and in some cases it has evened out.

"What is observed in the labor market is a decrease in the desire of Bulgarians to go and work abroad. Also, from 1-2 years, the desire to go to study also decreases."

https://www.bloombergtv.bg/a/17-v-razvitie/129060-lipsa-na-kadri-po-moreto-biznesite-privlichat-rabotnitsi-ot-turtsiya

2. Business

bia-bg.com - Join the largest study on the actions of Bulgarian companies on the Sustainable Development Goals

Published: 09.04.2024/12/45 XNUMX:XNUMX

The Bulgarian Network of the UN Global Compact, of which the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce is a part, joins its efforts with other European networks and with PwC - France to prepare a comprehensive comparative study on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (Programme 2030) by European companies.

This will be the largest study on the achievements of business in the country in terms of sustainable development. The goal is to understand not only where we are, but also how to move forward - together, more efficiently and successfully, says Darina Georgieva, executive director of the Bulgarian Network.Regardless of whether you are already a participant in the Bulgarian Network or just like-minded in sustainable development - join the largest study on business sustainability in the country. We are looking for the experience of all companies, from every economic sector, regardless of the size of the business. We want to know what you're doing to contribute to a more sustainable future – and tell the story.

The results of the survey will be processed by PwC – France. Data from Bulgaria, Greece, Ireland, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, Serbia, Turkey, Switzerland and Liechtenstein will be summarized in a single report on the work of business under the 2030 Agenda, giving us the opportunity to position our country and give publicity to the efforts and the achievements of all responsible Bulgarian companies.

The Bulgarian Global Compact Network (GNG) of the UN was officially announced in 2011 by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Bringing together companies, non-governmental organizations and educational institutions, BMHD is the most active organization in the country in the field of sustainable development, with professional expertise built for more than a decade within the framework of the largest global forum for sustainability, which defined the concept of ESG - the UN Global Compact . The members of BMHD are leaders of sustainable development who affirm the socially responsible behavior of Bulgarian business and help to balance the three pillars of sustainability – economic growth, social development and environmental protection.

On the UN Global Compact
The UN Global Compact is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative and has more than 23,000 members in over 160 countries. The voluntary initiative of former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan unites business and NGOs, academic institutions, cities and UN agencies in a global forum to support sustainable growth and civil society. The 10 principles of the UN Global Compact are aimed at responsible implementation business practices in the field of human rights, labor standards, environmental protection and the fight against corruption. The seventeen specific UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global initiative aimed at solving global problems such as poverty, hunger, inequality, climate change and more. The UN's Sustainable Development Goals seek to strike a balance between economic growth, social well-being and environmental protection to improve the quality of life around the world and preserve the planet for future generations.

https://www.bia-bg.com/news/view/32869/

bloombergtv.bg – Bulgaria's foreign policy with a new goal: Technological champion in the region

Published: 09.04.2024/12/40 XNUMX:XNUMX

Bulgaria's first foreign policy strategy adds many new topics to the country's foreign policy, which until now has been part of the national security policy. The strategy, which was unveiled earlier this week, goes beyond the understanding of traditional diplomacy or the national security system. This was commented by Velizar Shalamanov, Director of "Defense Capabilities and Innovations" at the Atlantic Club in Bulgaria, in the program "Business start" with host Hristo Nikolov.

The strategy brings something truly new, Shalamanov said. "Topics related to economic security, innovation, with the support of Bulgarian communities abroad; issues related to cultural and digital diplomacy, strategic communication, have not been given such a focus in foreign policy."

Using investments and the state's resources, the foreign policy should support innovative Bulgarian industries and companies and the development of institutes, Shalamanov said. This will also require serious changes in the diplomatic services to connect Bulgarian business with interests abroad.

The new areas are in support of the economic interests of Bulgaria; the transformation of the country into an innovation leader in Southeast Europe; more developed connections in the Bulgarian communities in Africa, North and South America, added Shalamanov.

Do young Bulgarians have a role in Bulgaria's foreign policy, is there a need for UN reform, how can Bulgaria participate in winning the Global South, you can watch in the video.

https://www.bloombergtv.bg/a/16-biznes-start/129087-vanshnata-politika-na-balgariya-s-nova-tsel-tehnologichen-shampion-v-regiona

b2bmedia.bg - Admissions open for the sixth edition of the program for entrepreneurs with high potential - Dare2Scale

Published: 08.04.2024/19/40 XNUMX:XNUMX

This year, a special quota for young entrepreneurs has also been planned in order to support the next generation of founders.

Endeavor's growth program - Dare2Scale (D2S) will take place for the sixth consecutive year. From today, April 8, 2024, companies from all over Bulgaria and from all sectors of the economy with a turnover of at least 100,000 euros for the past year and with up to 150 employees can apply for a place in the program through the specially created platform. The deadline for submitting applications is April 30, 2024.

The application takes place in two stages - the founders should declare their interest in participation and fill out the application form. If approved, they move on to the second stage where the Dare2Scale team, mentors and business leaders from the Endeavor network will interview the applicants and select the finalists. For additional consultation, founders can sign up for an introductory session with the program team. For the past 5 years, more than 50 of the most promising companies in the country have gone through the program, and from 2023 its methodology is successfully applied in other Endeavor offices.

To encourage the new generation of entrepreneurs who have a validated business model and realized revenues, but which do not fully cover the participation criteria, for the first time this year a quota for young entrepreneurs will be revealed. They can participate in the program under reduced conditions. And for another edition, Endeavor reserves space for organizations or companies developing their activities for the benefit of society.

The program is organized by the Bulgarian office of the global entrepreneurial organization Endeavor, represented in over 40 markets. The Bulgarian office opened in 2015, and to date has supported 130+ entrepreneurs from 70+ companies in three programs – Endeavor Global Program, Regional Support Program and Dare2Scale.

The main partner of Dare2Scale from its pilot edition until now is Postbank. The program is also implemented with the support of Software Group, the Executive Agency for the Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (IANSMP), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the America for Bulgaria Foundation, as well as with capital partner SeedBlink.

The previous fifth edition featured the most resource opportunities for participants to date – 9 group workshops, 4 networking events and over 130 donated mentoring hours from consultants from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and business leaders from the Endeavor network. For another year, a number of strategic partnerships were formed between the participating companies. Among the leading speakers of the workshops were Kalin Radev (executive director of Software Group), Svetozar Georgiev (co-founder of Telerik Academy and the Campus X incubator), Vince Gaidardzhiev (founder of Alcatraz.ai), Petar Mitev (founder of Chaos Group), Filip Popov (Director of "Banking small business" in Post Bank) etc. Detailed information about the program is available here.

Dare2Scale will be held in Sofia and will last for four months - from September to December 2024. Company founders will have the opportunity to participate in training in key areas for the development of each scaler business. The topics will be selected according to the needs of the companies accepted into the cohort, and there will be optional ones in addition to the main trainings. Each company will also have access to a minimum of eight mentoring sessions. On the one hand – with Endeavor's local mentoring network, whose mentors will support the founders with their entrepreneurial expertise. On the other hand, with partners and directors from PwC Bulgaria, who for the third year will work individually with all participants. They will be able to participate in events during which they will get to know and exchange experience with the key figures in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The program will end with the final event - Demo Day, during which the companies will present their businesses to a jury of established business leaders, media, other founders and investors.

Momchil Vasilev, executive director of Endeavor Bulgaria:

"Following the proven success of the Dare2Scale growth program, which was confirmed by all participants at the end of the fifth edition, Endeavor once again opens its doors to a new wave of entrepreneurs with the vision and willingness to help develop the ecosystem. For another year, we welcome innovative founders who have the potential to make their mark and grow their business both domestically and beyond. Dare2Scale is built on the philosophy of continuous improvements and the desire to meet the needs of each specific cohort. By providing personalized support, mentorship from proven entrepreneurs and professional advisors, and networking events aimed at strengthening connections across the ecosystem, we aim to give entrepreneurs the tools they need to grow faster and sustainably in today's dynamic business environment'.

Petya Dimitrova, CEO and Chairman of the Management Board of Postbank:

“Being a part of Dare2Scale for the sixth year in a row is satisfying and, as with each of our participations to date, very demanding. The large-scale resource approach of the previous edition is more than indicative, and the fact that for the first time this year a quota will be revealed for young entrepreneurs to participate in the program under reduced conditions, clearly demonstrates the desire of the organizers to cover the full palette of developing companies . With increased interest, we will follow this edition, which once again embodies the formula of successful interaction, connectivity and growth in the ecosystem of the economy".

https://b2bmedia.bg/markets/otvarq-priemut-za-shestoto-izdanie-na-programata-za-predpriemachi-s-visok-potencial-dare2scale-drqXD

novini.vratsa.eu - Everyone wants to do business in Singapore

Published: 08.04.2024/19/45 XNUMX:XNUMX

Singapore, Denmark and the USA are the best places in the world to do business. This indicates the ranking for business environment of the "Economist Intelligence Unit" (Economist Intelligence Unit). For 16 years now, Singapore has maintained its leadership position as the best place to do business, Prianti Roy, country forecast manager and analyst for Europe, told CNBC. The factors that rank the Southeast Asian country as a leader business destination, are political stability and the government's focus on supporting local private sector companies and their technological modernization, he said. The ranking of the "Economist Intelligence Unit" evaluates the attractiveness of making of business of 82 countries and territories and is based on indicators such as inflation, cost of living, economic growth and tax policy. The indicator also shows which economies are better positioned for growth than others, and "is an effective way to determine where a surge in investment spending may soon occur," analysts at the Economist Intelligence Unit said. Singapore is followed by Denmark and the USA, which take second and third place respectively. Denmark, with its "solid macroeconomic fundamentals" and high-quality transport and digital infrastructure, has the reputation of being one of the most attractive locations for businessRoy said. Market opportunities will remain favorable in the U.S. primarily because of few restrictions on foreign trade and investment in the U.S., she added. According to the report, Singapore, Denmark and the US will have the best business environment over the next five years. Germany and Switzerland are ranked fourth. Top 10 best countries to do business in the world it is complemented by Canada, Sweden, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Finland. The index reported significant improvement in countries such as Greece, Qatar and India. According to the report, Greece has seen the most progress because of the initiatives taken by the business-oriented government. Free market reforms promised by Argentine President Javier Millay aimed at encouraging private companies and attracting foreign investors are the reason for the country's significant improvement in the ranking, which ranks behind Greece in reported progress. India is the only market offering a potential scale comparable to that of China, according to the report, adding that the country's young demographic profile bodes well for the workforce and future demand. India ranks third among the most improved countries business environment.

https://novini.vratsa.eu/bg/vsichki-iskat-da-pravyat-biznes-v-singapur/