The number of employed people aged 55+ increases by nearly 9,000 people every year. Currently, they are just over 741,000 people nationwide. This was stated by the Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Policy Lazar Lazarov during the career forum “50 reasons more“. The event brought together representatives of institutions and businesses to share their opinions on how people with experience can be valuable on the labor market.
According to Lazarov, in 2024, over 21,000 people in this target group found their professional fulfillment with the mediation of the Employment Agency. Over 10,000 have found their own employment. Over 7,200 have been employed and have used subsidized employment, and over 4,100 have been included in training programs, Lazarov announced. In the employment strategy for the period, we have set a priority to increase employment in 2030 among people between 55 and 65 years of age to 70 percent, he also pointed out. According to him, in 2024, the employment rate of this target group is such that it almost meets the goal.
In the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, we follow a holistic approach, in which we have complex activities and measures in various areas such as lifelong learning, support for good health, investments in safe working conditions, Lazarov said. In recent years, we have also addressed the new challenges related to the green transition and digitalization, he also added.
I recently turned 55. and I consider myself a prominent professional with clear skills and confidence, said Lazarov. According to him, people aged 50 and over are extremely important, also in view of the demographic problem in Bulgaria, who are often underestimated by the real sector. This group is a resource that should be used, said the deputy minister. I have changed five organizations within my professional career and I claim that these individuals are the most valuable in an organization because they have built knowledge, skills, experience, and have the competence to perform certain skills, he pointed out. According to him, people over 50 can also be a bridge between different generations. Working pensioners are also a valuable resource on the labor market, said Lazarov.
According to the Chairperson of the Economic and Social Council (ESS) Zornitsa Rusinova, people over 50 should not stop being active. Longevity and Bulgaria's problems from the perspective of demographic policy await long-term measures, believes Rusinova. And she noted that ESC is also studying the topics of reconciling professional and private life and generational differences in the workplace.
A career is something that a person must grow into, do with desire, believes Dr. Nedelya Shtonova, who sent a message that years are not a limit. Success does not depend on age, and in a world of artificial intelligence, authenticity is very important, she also pointed out. Shtonova also emphasized the health status of people 50 +, reminding that it is important to undergo preventive examinations. Singer Veselin Marinov also spoke about his professional path since his arrival in Sofia and urged people not to stop developing.
Business representatives spoke about the various career opportunities.