Structural indicators

In the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to the fourth quarter of 2022, the total hourly labour cost rose by 11.7% (preliminary data). The total hourly labour cost increased by 10.6% in industry, by 10.4% in services and by 19.5% in construction.

The highest annual growth in total labour costs was recorded in ‘Public administration and defence; compulsory social security’ - by 19.8%, ‘Construction’ - by 19.5%, and ‘Education’ - by 17.0%.

According to the results of the Labour Force Survey, in 2023:

- The activity rate of the population aged 15 - 64 was 73.9%, increasing by 0.2 percentage points in comparison with 2022.

- The employment rate of the population aged 15 - 64 was 70.7%.

- The unemployment rate was 4.3%, or 0.2 percentage points higher in comparison with 2022.

The Labour Force Survey is a sample statistical survey. It is carried out over a sample of non-institutional households. Quarterly, about 19.6 thousand households, randomly selected, are observed through a f...

In the fourth quarter of 2023:

- The unemployment rate was 4.2%, by 0.5 percentage points higher compared to the fourth quarter of 2022;

- The employment rate of the population aged 15 - 64 decreased by 1.2 percentage points in comparison with the same quarter of 2022 and stood at 70.5%;

- The activity rate of the population aged 15 - 64 was 73.7%, by 0.8 percentage points lower compared to the fourth quarter of 2022.

The data was from the Labour Force Survey - a sample statistical survey. It is carried out over a sample of non-institut...

The number of employees under labour contract at the end of December 2023 decreased by 0.5% as compared to the end of September 2023 and reached 2.29 million according to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute (NSI). The highest decrease was observed in economic activities: ‘Accommodation and food service activities’ - by 6.6%, ‘Agriculture, forestry and fishing’- by 5.9%, and ‘Transportation and storage’ - by 1.3%. The highest increase of the number of employees was recorded in economic activities ‘Arts, entertainment and recreation’ - by 1.6%, and ‘Human...

In the third quarter of 2023, compared to the third quarter of 2022, the total hourly labour cost rose by 15.1% (preliminary data). The total hourly labour cost increased by 16.6% in industry, 13.9% in services and 17.0% in construction.

The highest annual growth in total labour costs was recorded in ‘Education’ - by 21.9%, ‘Accommodation and food service activities’ - by 18.8%, and ‘Transportation and storage’ - by 17.4%.

In the third quarter of 2023:

- The unemployment rate was 4.0%, by 0.4 percentage points higher in comparison with the third quarter of 2022;

- The employment rate of the population aged 15 - 64 decreased by 0.6 percentage points in comparison with the same quarter of 2022 and stood at 71.5%;

- The activity rate of the population aged 15 - 64 was 74.6%, by 0.2 percentage points lower compared to the third quarter of 2022.

The data was from the Labour Force Survey - a sample statistical survey. It is carried out over a sample of non-institutional house...

The number of employees under labour contract at the end of September 2023 decreased by 1.5% compared to the end of June 2023 and reached 2.30 million according to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute (NSI). The highest decrease was observed in economic activities: ‘Accommodation and food service activities’ - by 15.8%, ‘Administrative and support service activities’ - by 2.7%, and ‘Manufacturing’ - by 1.4%. The highest increase of the number of employees by 1.1% was recorded in economic activity ‘Human health and social work activities’.

In the third quarter...

In the second quarter of 2023, compared to the second quarter of 2022, the total hourly labour cost rose by 13.8% (preliminary data). The total hourly labour cost increased by 19.3% in industry, 13.7% in services and 16.1% in construction.

The highest annual growth in total labour costs was recorded in ‘Accommodation and food service activities’ - by 24.0%, ‘Manufacturing’ - by 20.1%, and ‘Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply’ - by 18.3%.

In the second quarter of 2023:

- The unemployment rate was 4.6%, or 0.1 percentage point higher in comparison with the second quarter of 2022;

- The employment rate of the population aged 15 - 64 increased by 0.3 percentage points in comparison with the same quarter of 2022 and reached 70.3%;

- The activity rate of the population aged 15 - 64 was 73.7%, increasing by 0.3 percentage points in comparison with the second quarter of 2022.

The data was from the Labour Force Survey - a sample statistical survey. It is carried out over a sampl...

The number of employees under labour contract at the end of June 2023 increased by 25.2 thousand, or 1.1%, as compared to the end of March 2023 and reached 2.33 million according to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute (NSI).  The highest increase was observed in economic activities: ‘Accommodation and food service activities’ - by 29.1%, ‘Agriculture, forestry and fishing’- by 3.8% and ‘Real estate activities’ - by 1.8%. The highest decrease of the number of employees by 1.6% was recorded in economic activity ‘Education’.

In the second quarter of 2023, ...

In the first quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2022 the total hourly labour cost rose by 15.1% (preliminary data). The total hourly labour cost increased by 18.2% in industry, 15.7% in services and 14.1% in construction.

The highest annual growth in total labour costs was recorded in ‘Transportation and storage’ - by 23.6%, ‘Accommodation and food service activities’ - by 23.5%, and ‘Water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities’ - by 19.6%.

In the first quarter of 2023:

- The unemployment rate was 4.4%, or 0.4 percentage points lower in comparison with the first quarter of 2022;

- The employment rate of the population aged 15 - 64 increased by 1.6 percentage points in comparison with the same quarter of 2022 and reached 70.4%;

- The activity rate of the population aged 15 - 64 was 73.7%, increasing by 1.4 percentage points in comparison with the first quarter of 2022.

The data was from the Labour Force Survey - a sample statistical survey. It is carried out over a sample o...

The number of employees under labour contract at the end of March 2023 increased by 47.5 thousand, or 2.1%, as compared to the end of December 2022 and reached 2.31 million according to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute (NSI). The highest increase was observed in economic activities: ‘Human health and social work activities’ - by 7.1%, ‘Accommodation and food service activities’ - by 4.7%, and ‘Construction’ - by 4.3%. Decrease of the number of employees by 0.2% was recorded in economic activity ‘Public administration and defence; compulsory social se...

By 16.1% rose the total hourly labour cost for the fourth quarter of 2022 compared to the fourth quarter of 2021 (preliminary data). The total hourly labour cost increased by 21.3% in industry, 17.8% in services and 11.0% in construction.

The breakdown by economic activities showed that the highest annual growth in total labour costs was recorded in ‘Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply’ - by 33.3%, ‘Accommodation and food service activities’ - by 32.9%, and ‘Arts, entertainment and recreation’ - by 25.2%.

According to the results of the survey, in 2022:

- The activity rate of the population aged 15 - 64 was 73.6%, increasing by 1.6 percentage points in comparison with 2021.

- The employment rate of the population aged 15 - 64 increased by 2.3 percentage points in comparison with 2021 and reached 70.4%.

- The unemployment rate was 4.3%, or 1.0 percentage point lower in comparison with 2021.

The Labour Force Survey is a sample statistical survey. It is carried out over a sample of non-institutional households...

According to the results of the survey, in the fourth quarter of 2022:

- The activity rate of the population aged 15 - 64 was 74.4%, increasing by 2.6 percentage points in comparison with the fourth quarter of 2021.

- The employment rate of the population aged 15 - 64 increased by 3.0 percentage points in comparison with the same quarter of 2021 and reached 71.5%.

- The unemployment rate was 3.9%, or 0.6 percentage points lower in comparison with the fourth quarter of 2021.

The Labour Force Survey is a sample statistical survey. It is carried out over...

The number of employees under labour contract at the end of December 2022 decreased by 0.7%, as compared to the end of September 2022 and reached 2.26 million according to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute. The highest decrease was observed in economic activities: ‘Administrative and support service activities’ - by 5.9%, ‘Accommodation and food service activities’- by 5.8%  and ‘Agriculture, forestry and fishing’ - by 4.5%. The highest increase in the number of employees was recorded in economic activities: ‘Education’ - by 1.2% and ‘Arts, entertainment and re...

By 16.2% rose the total hourly labour cost for the third quarter of 2022 compared to the third quarter of 2021 (preliminary data of the NSI). The total hourly labour cost increased by 18.1% in industry, 16.4% in services and 16.0% in construction.

The breakdown by economic activities showed that the highest annual growth in total labour costs was recorded in ‘Accommodation and food service activities’ - by 23.4%, ‘Mining and quarrying’ - by 19.4% and ‘Public administration and defence; compulsory social security’ - by 19.2%.

According to the results of the survey, in the third quarter of 2022:

- The activity rate of the population aged 15 - 64 was 74.7%, increasing by 1.8 percentage points in comparison with the third quarter of 2021.

- The employment rate of the population aged 15 - 64 increased by 2.4 percentage points in comparison with the same quarter of 2021 and reached 71.9%.

- The unemployment rate was 3.7%, or 0.9 percentage points lower in comparison with the third quarter of 2021.

The Labour Force Survey is a sample statistical survey. It is carried out over a ...

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute, at the end of September 2022, the number of employees under labour contract decreased by 1.4% as compared to the end of June 2022 and reached 2.28 million.

In the third quarter of 2022, in comparison with the second quarter of 2022, the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 0.8% and reached 1 743 BGN.

By 14.4% rose the total hourly labour cost for the second quarter of 2022 compared to the second quarter of 2021 (preliminary data of the NSI). The total hourly labour cost increased by 15.0% in industry, 16.8% in services and 11.5% in construction.

The breakdown by economic activities showed that the highest annual growth in total labour costs was recorded in ‘Administrative and support service activities’ - by 22.5%, ‘Arts, entertainment and recreation’, ‘Other service activities’ - by 19.4% each, and ‘Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles’ by 18.2...

In the second quarter of 2022 the unemployment rate was 4.7%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 75.0%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of June 2022, the number of employees under labour contract increased by 1.5% as compared to the end of March 2022 and reached 2.31 million.

In the second quarter of 2022, in comparison with the first quarter of 2022, the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 7.8% and reached 1 730 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the first quarter of 2022 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 12.7% compared to the first quarter of 2021.

In the first quarter of 2022 the unemployment rate was 4.9%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 73.7%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of March 2022 the number of employees under labour contract increased by 0.4% as compared to the end of December 2021 and reached 2.27 million.

In the first quarter of 2022 in comparison with the fourth quarter of 2021 the average monthly wages and salaries decreased by 1.2% getting 1 593 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the fourth quarter of 2021 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 12.1% compared to the fourth quarter of 2020.

In 2021 the unemployment rate was 5.3%.

The employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 years was 73.2%.

In the fourth quarter of 2021 the unemployment rate was 4.5%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 73.6%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of December 2021 the number of employees under labour contract decreased by 0.7% as compared to the end of September 2021 and reached 2.27 million.

In the fourth quarter of 2021 in comparison with the third quarter of 2021 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 6.1% getting 1 612 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the third quarter of 2021 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 13.8% compared to the third quarter of 2020.

In the third quarter of 2021 the unemployment rate was 4.6%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 74.5%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of September 2021 the number of employees under labour contract decreased by 1.0% as compared to the end of June 2021 and reached 2.28 million.

In the third quarter of 2021 in comparison with the second quarter of 2021 the average gross monthly wages and salaries decreased by 0.3% - getting to 1 520 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the second quarter of 2021 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 6.7% compared to the second quarter of 2020.

In the second quarter of 2021 the unemployment rate was 5.6%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 72.7%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of June 2021, the number of employees under labour contract increased by 1.9% as compared to the end of March 2021 and reached 2.31 million.

In the second quarter of 2021, in comparison with the first quarter of 2021 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 4.3% getting 1 525 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the first quarter of 2021 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 4.9% compared to the first quarter of 2020.

In the first quarter of 2021 the unemployment rate was 6.3%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 71.7%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of March 2021 the number of employees under labour contract increased by 1.5% as compared to the end of December 2020 and reached 2.26 million.

In the first quarter of 2021 in comparison with the fourth quarter of 2020 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 1.7% getting 1 462 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the fourth quarter of 2020 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 10.0% compared to the fourth quarter of 2019.

In 2020 the unemployment rate achieved 5.1%, by 0.9 percentage points higher in comparison with 2019.

The employment rate for the age group 20 - 64 years was 73.4%, by 1.6 percentage points lower compared to 2019.

In the fourth quarter of 2020 the unemployment rate was 5.2%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 73.8%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of December 2020 the number of employees under labour contract decreased by 0.9% as compared to the end of September 2020 and reached 2.23 million.

In the fourth quarter of 2020 in comparison with the third quarter of 2020 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 4.7% getting 1 437 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the third quarter of 2020 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 3.5% compared to the third quarter of 2019. 

In the third quarter of 2020 the unemployment rate was 4.8%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 74.6%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of September 2020 the number of employees under labour contract increased by 0.4% as compared to the end of June 2020 and reached 2.25 million.

In the third quarter of 2020 in comparison with the second quarter of 2020 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 2.7% getting 1 373 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the second quarter of 2020 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 9.9% compared to the second quarter of 2019.

In the second quarter of 2020 the unemployment rate was 5.9%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 72.2%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of June 2020 the number of employees under labour contract decreased by 1.0% as compared to the end of March 2020 and reached 2.24 million.

In the second quarter of 2020 in comparison with the first quarter of 2020 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 1.5% getting 1 337 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the first quarter of 2020 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 10.2% compared to the first quarter of 2019.

In the first quarter of 2020 the unemployment rate was 4.6%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 73.0%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of March 2020 the number of employees under labour contract decreased by 1.1% as compared to the end of December 2019 and reached 2.26 million.

In the first quarter of 2020 in comparison with the fourth quarter of 2019 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 0.3% getting 1 317 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the fourth quarter of 2019 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 11.9% compared to the fourth quarter of 2018.

In 2019 the unemployment rate was 4.2% by 1.0 percentage point lower in comparison with 2018.

The employment rate for the age group 20 - 64 years achieved 75.0%, by 2.6 percentage points higher compared to 2018.

In the fourth quarter of 2019 the unemployment rate was 4.1%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 74.9%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of December 2019 the number of employees under labour contract decreased by 1.0% as compared to the end of September 2019 and reached 2.29 million.

In the fourth quarter of 2019 in comparison with the third quarter of 2019 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 5.1% getting 1 313 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the third quarter of 2019 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 10.0% compared to the third quarter of 2018.

In the third quarter of 2019 the unemployment rate was 3.7%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 76.3%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of September 2019 the number of employees under labour contract decreased by 1.7% as compared to the end of June 2019 and reached 2.31 million.

In the third quarter of 2019 in comparison with the second quarter of 2019 the average monthly wages and salaries decreased by 0.9% getting 1 249 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the second quarter of 2019 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 11.0% compared to the second quarter of 2018. 

In the second quarter of 2019 the unemployment rate was 4.2% and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 75.7%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of June 2019 the number of employees under labour contract increased by 1.5% as compared to the end of March 2019 and reached 2.35 million.

In the second quarter of 2019 in comparison with the first quarter of 2019 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 4.3% getting 1 260 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the first quarter of 2019 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 12.9% compared to the first quarter of 2018.

In the first quarter of 2019 the unemployment rate was 5.0%, by 0.7 percentage points lower in comparison with the first quarter or 2018.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of March 2019 the number of employees under labour contract increased by 1.1% as compared to the end of December 2018 and reached 2.32 million.

In the first quarter of 2019 in comparison with the fourth quarter of 2018 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 3.2% getting 1 208 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the fourth quarter of 2018 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 5.1% compared to the fourth quarter of 2017.

In 2018 the unemployment rate was 5.2% by 1.0 percentage point lower in comparison with 2017.

The employment rate for the age group 20 - 64 years achieved 72.4%, by 1.1 percentage points higher compared to 2017.

In the fourth quarter of 2018 the unemployment rate was 4.7% and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 72.5%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of December 2018 the number of employees under labour contract decreased by 1.1% as compared to the end of September 2018 and reached 2.29 million.

In the fourth quarter of 2018 in comparison with the third quarter of 2018 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 4.8% getting 1 171 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the third quarter of 2018 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 8.9% compared to the third quarter of 2017.

In the third quarter of 2018 the unemployment rate was 5.0% and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 73.5%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of September 2018 the number of employees under labour contract decreased by 1.6% as compared to the end of June 2018 and reached 2.32 million.

In the third quarter of 2018 in comparison with the second quarter of 2018 the average monthly wages and salaries decreased by 0.7% getting 1 117 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the second quarter of 2018 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 8.5% compared to the second quarter of 2017.

In the second quarter of 2018 the unemployment rate was 5.5% and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 72.6%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of June 2018 the number of employees under labour contract increased by 1.8% as compared to the end of March 2018 and reached 2.35 million.

In the second quarter of 2018 in comparison with the first quarter of 2018 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 4.5% getting 1 125 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the first quarter of 2018 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 6.8% compared to the first quarter of 2017.

In the first quarter of 2018 the unemployment rate was 5.7% and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 71.1%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of March 2018 the number of employees under labour contract increased by 1.5% as compared to the end of December 2017 and reached 2.31 million.

In the first quarter of 2018 in comparison with the fourth quarter of 2017 the average monthly wages and salaries decreased by 1.6% getting 1 077 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the fourth quarter of 2017 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 12.2% compared to the fourth quarter of 2016.

In 2017 the unemployment rate was 6.2%, 6.4% for men and 5.9% for women.

The employment rate for the age group 20 - 64 years achieved 71.3%, 75.3% for men and 67.3% for women.

In the fourth quarter of 2017 the unemployment rate was 5.6% and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 72.1%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of December 2017 the number of employees under labour contract decreased by 1.5% as compared to the end of September 2017 and reached 2.28 million.

In the fourth quarter of 2017 in comparison with the third quarter of 2017 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 5.6% getting 1 095BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the third quarter of 2017 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 10.7% compared to the third quarter of 2016. 

In the third quarter of 2017 the unemployment rate was 5.8% and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 73.0%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of September 2017 the number of employees under labour contract decreased by 1.3% as compared to the end of June 2017 and reached 2.31 million.

In the third quarter of 2017 in comparison with the second quarter of 2017 the average monthly wages and salaries decreased by 0.3% getting 1 037 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the second quarter of 2017 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 11.0% compared to the second quarter of 2016.

In the second quarter of 2017 the unemployment rate was 6.3% and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 71.7%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of June 2017 the number of employees under labour contract increased by 2.8% as compared to the end of March 2017 and reached 2.34 million.

In the second quarter of 2017 in comparison with the first quarter of 2017 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 3.4% getting 1 040 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the first quarter of 2017 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 10.1% compared to the first quarter of 2016. 

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of March 2017 the number of employees under labour contract increased by 0.3% as compared to the end of December 2016 and reached 2.28 million.

In the first quarter of 2017 in comparison with the fourth quarter of 2016 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 1.6% getting 1 006 BGN.

In the first quarter of 2017 the unemployment rate was 6.9% and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 68.6%.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the fourth quarter of 2016 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 8.0% compared to the fourth quarter of 2015.

In 2016 the unemployment rate was 7.6%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 67.7%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of December 2016 the number of employees under labour contract decreased by 1.7% as compared to the end of September 2016 and reached 2.27 million.

In the fourth quarter of 2016 in comparison with the third quarter of 2016 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 5.2% getting 990 BGN.

In the fourth quarter of 2016 the unemployment rate was 6.7% and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 67.7%.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the third quarter of 2016 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 8.4% compared to the third quarter of 2015. 

In the third quarter of 2016 the unemployment rate was 7.0% and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 68.5%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of September 2016 the number of employees under labour contract decreased by 1.9% as compared to the end of June 2016 and reached 2.31 million.

In the third quarter of 2016 in comparison with the second quarter of 2016 the average monthly wages and salaries decreased by 0.5% getting 941 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the second quarter of 2016 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 7.3% compared to the second quarter of 2015.

In the second quarter of 2016 the unemployment rate was 8.0% and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 68.0%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of June 2016 the number of employees under labour contract increased by 3.4% as compared to the end of March 2016 and reached 2.36 million.

In the second quarter of 2016 in comparison with the first quarter of 2016 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 2.6% getting 946 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the first quarter of 2016 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 7.7% compared to the first quarter of 2015.

In the first quarter of 2016 the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 66.5% and the unemployment rate was 8.6%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of March 2016 the number of employees under labour contract increased by 2.6% as compared to the end of December 2015 and reached 2.28 million.

In the first quarter of 2016 in comparison with the fourth quarter of 2015 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 1.7% getting 931 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the fourth quarter of 2015 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 5.8% compared to the fourth quarter of 2014. 

In 2015 the unemployment rate was 9.1%, and the employment rate of population aged 15 - 64 was 62.9%. 

In the fourth quarter of 2015 the unemployment rate was 7.9%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 68.1%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of December 2015 the number of employees under labour contract decreased by 2.2% as compared to the end of September 2015 and reached 2.22 million.

In the fourth quarter of 2015 in comparison with the third quarter of 2015 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 4.7% getting 915 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the third quarter of 2015 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 7.4% compared to the third quarter of 2014. 

In the third quarter of 2015 the unemployment rate was 8.3%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 68.8%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of September 2015 the number of employees under labour contract decreased by 1.7% as compared to the end of June 2015 and reached 2.27 million.

In the third quarter of 2015 in comparison with the second quarter of 2015 the average monthly wages and salaries decreased by 0.6% getting 874 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the second quarter of 2015 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 6.8% compared to the second quarter of 2014. 

In the second quarter of 2015 the unemployment rate was 9.9%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 66.6%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of June 2015 the number of employees under labour contract increased by 3.6% as compared to the end of March 2015 and reached 2.31 millions.

In the second quarter of 2015 in comparison with the first quarter of 2015 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 2.3% getting 879 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the first quarter of 2015 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 6.9% compared to the first quarter of 2014. 

In the first quarter of 2015 the unemployment rate was 10.6%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 65.0%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of March 2015 the number of employees under labour contract increased by 1.2% as compared to the end of December 2014 and reached 2.23 millions.

In the first quarter of 2015 in comparison with the fourth quarter of 2014 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 1.4% getting 859 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the fourth quarter of 2014 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 3.1% compared to the fourth quarter of 2013. 

In the fourth quarter of 2014 the unemployment rate was 10.6%, and the employment rate of population aged 15 - 64 was 61.4%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute (NSI) at the end of December 2014 the number of employees under labour contract decreased by 2.1% as compared to the end of September 2014 and reached 2.20 millions.

In the fourth quarter of 2014 in comparison with the third quarter of 2014 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 4.7% getting 847 BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the third quarter of 2014 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 3.2% compared to the third quarter of 2013.