Bulgarian unemployment rate continued to decrease in August, The Employment Agency reports.

According to the Agency this is due to the seasonal summer jobs, and to the government employment programs and campaigns.

The number of unemployed people registered with the Labor Desk has drooped to 259,310, which is 64,443 less versus August last year, and 9,136 less compared to July.

Unemployment rate in Bulgaria is getting closer to the average EU rate. The numbers decreased by 7% in August. The tendency is obvious in the capital city as well.

Unemployment in 9 regions is below the average for the country, and higher in 18 regions.

A decrease against July figures is witnessed in all region except for Gabrovo.

There were a total of 20,177 job vacancies announced with the Labor Desk in August, which is 6,811 more than in July.

12,393 new jobs were announced on the labor market last month, most of which (8,939) in the private sector.

3,780 jobs were created with the help of employment programs, of which 236 by Social Services and 263 on the “Assistance to Disabled People” program.

In August 4,103 jobless people enrolled in courses to improve their qualification. The Labor Desk organized 290 such courses last month, as well as 30 improvement courses for already employed people.