The problem with long-term unemployment in Bulgaria has deepened.

According to figures of the Employment Agency, nearly 44 % of people registered in job centres have been unemployed for more than a year.

Out of a total of 286 246 people registered in job centres, 124 761 of them have been in long-term unemployment, private bTV station informed on Sunday.

The region of Blagoevgrad is the worst affected in this respect as there 8710 people have been in long-term unemployment.

The number of people in long-term unemployment is also high in the regions of Plovdiv, Pleven, Vratsa and Pazardzhik, with the figures exceeding 7000 in each of the four regions.

It is believed that forthcoming legislative changes aimed at stimulating employment will address the problem. The changes foresee financial aid to cover travel expenses for people who find employment in a settlement different from their place of residence.

According to the changes, if the distance is more than fifty kilometers and people would like to relocate, they will be also entitled to receive financial aid for renting accommodation.

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