There is a serious reduction of construction works in the country compared to one year ago, according to the Chair of the Sofia branch of the Bulgarian Construction Workers Chamber, Svetoslav Glossov.

Glossov, cited by the Bulgarian information agency BTA, said Saturday that the reduction is 38% in the sector in general and 60% for residential buildings.

"While two years ago we suffered severe shortage of workers, now unemployment in the sector is growing steadily and the market is oversaturated with available labor, including qualified managers and builders," Glossov pointed out, adding the construction companies were trying to keep their best and most qualified workers.

Glossov said that despite the fall of construction works triggered by the global economic crisis, the sector in Bulgaria has a lower unemployment rate than other businesses and the average wages are going up.

The Chair explained the return of Bulgarian construction workers from Spain, Portugal, the UK, and Germany that began last year is going to become a permanent trend.

Glossov voiced hopes that after a very harsh winter, the spring will be better for Bulgarian builders when the unblocking of the EU funds will revive the construction market, especially through infrastructure projects and regional development programs.