Youth Unemployment In Bulgaria And The Path Forward

Purpose The article aims to identify the barriers before market inclusion for young people and the inertia of status while analysing the employers’ need of workforce. It also points out some of the factors which influence the youth labour market in Bulgaria in the strongest way and see how they affect young people on the one hand. Methodology The study applies special approach and analyses the issue in two satellite contexts – state-of-the-art national environment and its strengths, parallel with individual specificities leading to readiness to enter the labour market and internal bindings. It includes descriptive research approach based on literature review. Statistical information from Eurostat and forecasts and analysis provided by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy in Bulgaria were used to analyse the youth labour market in the country. Other analytical documents prepared by various experts’ groups have been considered as well. Findings General factors predetermining the youth labour market are pointed out with special focus on the situation in Bulgaria. The analysis reflects not only the environment where young people start their professional life, but also the most common skills they need to improve in order to meet employers’ expectations. Practical implications The paper might help different stakeholders bettering perspective on how youth labour market changes and how to support young people entering the workforce in a more effective way, removing part of the barriers. Originality/value The article outlines the main current barriers before young people entering the labour market in Bulgaria and general trends, influencing youth labour market domestically and in other European countries as well. The analysis takes into account the fast, dynamic and unexpected changes in overall economic situation and the need for the youth labour market to adapt to the requirements of digital economy.