site.btaLabour Market Discrimination Most Common in Hiring and Pay

Discrimination when applying for a job was reported by 53.7% of a total of 592 respondents in a survey by the Commission for Protection against Discrimination (CPD). According to 47.8%, there is discrimination when hiring, and according to 33.1% - when paying. The CPD study analyzes the manifestations of economic discrimination in the country. It was conducted in the period November-December 2024. The results were presented by Prof. Dr. Baki Huseinov and the CPD management at a press conference at the BTA National Press Club in Sofia on Friday.

Another form of discrimination in the labour market, indicated by 32.6% of respondents, is when receiving additional benefits. According to 26.1% of respondents, there is discrimination in working conditions. Another 31.2% noted career development and growth as an area in which they encounter discrimination. Those most affected by discrimination in the labour market are older workers (53.8%), ethnic minorities (50.4%), young people without work experience (38.7%), women with small children (35%), pregnant women (25%) and people with disabilities (36.1%).

Regarding the various manifestations of economic discrimination, discrimination is also encountered in the provision of services. According to 36.5% of those surveyed, there is discrimination in access to healthcare, education and social care. Discrimination is also reported in determining the price of goods/services (27.2%). Certain groups of the population may be charged higher, the CPD explained.

About a quarter (27.9%) of respondents shared about discrimination in public procurement such as opaque procedures, preferences for certain companies or exclusion from the process due to stereotypes, etc. Discrimination is also encountered in lending and working with financial institutions (25.4%).

The study shows that economic discrimination is most serious in Northwestern and Southeastern Bulgaria, and weakest - in the South-Central region.

Over 60% of respondents believe that economic discrimination affects many important areas and is widespread. According to 11.5% of respondents, such discrimination does not exist, and another 24.9% cannot assess. The opinion of 51.4% is that the imposition of negative perceptions towards certain groups of people is the most common cause of discrimination in the economy. Ethnic minorities, women and people with disabilities are indicated as being particularly affected. Another leading reason, according to 43.7% of those questioned, is the lack of information, which leads to fear and distrust. According to 26.9% of those questioned, the cost/income ratio also gives rise to unequal treatment. The CPD gave an example that mothers of young children can be perceived as less efficient, and people with disabilities - as more expensive to hire. Cultural and social traditions also influence economic discrimination, according to 13.5% of the survey participants.

The CPD recommended strengthening regulations related to equality and non-discrimination, as well as regular monitoring. Organizing campaigns and programs to raise public awareness about the harms of economic discrimination is another recommendation. Regional measures to improve access to services and jobs is another measure that the commission considers important to implement.

In the proceedings for protection from discrimination, the leading area is the exercise of the right to work on various grounds, said CPD Chair Elka Bozhova. Currently, the CPD has not considered any cases of discrimination in public procurement, she indicated. Bozhova emphasized that the proceedings for protection from discrimination are free of charge and are carried out in a short time.