In the fourth quarter of 2006 3.159 mln Bulgarians or 47.4% of this country’s population 15 and over 15 years of age were employed, National Statistical Institute (NSI) data shows.

In the period Q4 2005 - Q4 2006 the economic activity and employment among people 15 and over 15 years of age have been steadily increasing.

The number of employed grew by 177,300 people, while employment rate ticked up 2.7 points. The increase is due to the private sector where the number of employed was up 178,800 people.

The number of unemployed in the fourth quarter of 2006 was 288,400 people or 8,4% of the active population. Compared with the same period of 2005 their number shrank by 40,100 people, while unemployment rate dropped 1.5 points.
In March 2007 14.7% of the surveyed industrial enterprises indicated the lack of workforce as one of the factors impeding their operations.

The average wage in December 2006 was 388 leva or 7.5% higher than in November. On an annual base wages in December grew 14.1%.