Ruse businesses maintain stable employment levels – companies plan carefully to expand their teams

The labor market in Bulgaria is showing resilience despite economic and geopolitical challenges. This is clear from the ninth national survey of the Bulgarian Employment Confederation (BEC), presented this week. According to the data, nearly every third employer in our country – 28% – plans to hire new employees in the next six months (October 2025 – March 2026), while 22% are planning to make cuts and 38% are planning to retain their current staff. As a result, the net employment rate reaches 6%, an increase of 3 percentage points compared to the previous period.

Ruse maintains stable employment levels

Regionally, Ruse demonstrates stable, albeit moderate, labor market dynamics. According to the survey, the city's forecasts remain unchanged from the previous period - 2% net occupancy rate. This means that employers in the region are cautiously planning to expand their teams, seeking to maintain business resilience in the face of uncertainty.

The IT sector with the most optimistic plans

At the national level, employers in the information technology sector have the most optimistic plans for expanding teams – 23% of them are planning new appointments over the next six months. This is followed by manufacturing (18%), trade (16%) and financial and business services (14%).

Positive, albeit more moderate, plans are also emerging for the following sectors:

• „"Transport and Communications" – 6%;
• „"Hotel and Restaurant Management" – 9%;
• „"Construction" – 8%;
• „"Outsourcing" - 7%.

Third-party hiring

The study shows that only 23% from employers are willing to hire staff from third countries. This highlights the challenges facing businesses in filling vacant positions and the need to develop a clear state strategy and legislation to attract qualified specialists from outside.

Ruse businesses continue to demonstrate stability and cautious expansion of their teams, despite the challenges in the labor market. RTIK emphasizes the importance of investments in human capital and encourages local businesses to monitor labor market trends, take advantage of opportunities for staff professional development, and implement flexible work models.

Following these approaches will support the sustainability and competitiveness of businesses in Ruse and will facilitate adaptation to the dynamic economic environment and the shortage of qualified personnel.