Iskra Beleva
Papers of BAS, Humanities and Social Sciences
Vol. 2, No 3-4, 2015
ECONOMICS
LABOUR MARKET POLICIES FOR ENCOURAGING ECONOMIC ACTIVITY AND LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY IN BULGARIA
Iskra Beleva
Abstract: This article aims to present the recent labour market policies for encouraging economic activity of working age population, labour market inclusion and increasing labour productivity. It points out that a number of different programs and labour market measures have been implemented in Bulgaria in the last twenty years. The results of the analysis show up both positive and negative features of the implemented policies. These policies contribute to increasing labour market inclusion in the short run and this is the main positive effect. Meanwhile, the lack of consistence of the policy and sustainability of employment embody the main negative feature. The article analyses the effect of the Human Resource Development Program, conducted in Bulgaria in the period 2007-2013, over the labour market development, labour inclusion and productivity, in particular. It employs different quantitative and qualitative indicators to assess the achievements of a total of EUR 402,4 millions, invested in policies for encouraging economic activation of working age population, labour market inclusion and increasing labour productivity. In conclusion the author draws out recommendations for improvements of conducted policies.
Key words: labour market policy, employment, economic activity, labour productivity, assessment, efficiency
JEL: J45, J48