Adaptation to working conditions for people with disabilities in Bulgaria

People with reduced working capacity often face prejudice in the labour market. Employers may be reluctant to hire individuals with chronic illnesses or those frequently absent due to health conditions. In Bulgaria, the unemployment rate among working-age people with disabilities is 15.9%, compared to 9.7% among people without disabilities. Findings are relevant for other European countries facing similar challenges. Data from the National Statistical Institute were used. The study examines differences in working conditions for people with disabilities, including accessibility of the work environment, availability of assistive tools, and working time arrangements, taking into account temporary and permanent reduced working capacity due to various diseases. Among people with permanent disabilities aged 15–65 (n = 873,300), 42.2% are employed, 6.7% are unemployed, and 51.3% (450,800) are out of the labor force (pensioners, students, due to health reasons). However, a considerable proportion of these individuals are discouraged workers who would like to work but have stopped actively seeking employment. Bulgarian labour legislation including: Ordinance on Medical Expertise of Work Ability, Regulation on Determining Jobs Suitable for Persons with Reduced Working Capacity, provides a long-standing framework for protecting this population. Medical professionals play a key role by assessing disease prognosis and recommending appropriate working conditions. Medical protocols include individualized support, job coaching, skills development, and long-term assistance aimed at job retention and career advancement. Supported employment represents a good practice model, offering person-centred services that enable individuals with disabilities to work in integrated settings alongside people without disabilities and to develop their careers. Preventive measures, including job adaptation or reassignment to suitable positions, are essential to avoid early retirement due to disability.

Key messages

• Many people with disabilities are discouraged workers who want to work but have stopped seeking jobs, increasing inactivity and pressure on social security systems.

• Better workplace adaptation for people with disabilities increases employment and reduces dependency on social security systems, supporting their long-term sustainability.