The jobless rate is expected to drop under 9% and employment to reach 59.9% in 2007, according to forecasts set out in the new employment plan of Bulgaria.

The document mapping out the government's employment and social policy priorities for this year, was officially presented Thursday.

Under it, more than 82,000 jobseekers will get subsidized employment, another 31,000 will have access to qualification training.

Priority will be given to low-educated, young and disabled jobless people, as well as to elderly jobseekers.

The active policies on the labour market will cost the government BGN 190 M, including 80% to finance employment programs.

The 2007 employment plan envisions that 33,000 people will work under the state-sponsored "From Social Benefits to Employment" program, and another 12,460 will be allowed to the program "Assistants to Disabled People".

Several new social programs will be launched this year, particularly for maternity support, healthcare re-qualification and employment, tourism training, etc.

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