National Insurance Institute

Both business and trade unions in Bulgaria want the draft budget update to be withdrawn, said the head of the Bulgarian Industrial Capital Vasil Velev, quoted by Darik radio.

Representing a common position, Velev defined the proposed update, which includes a deficit of 4% and a new state debt of BGN 4.5 B, as "radical".

Bulgaria's caretaker Minister of Social Policies and Labour Yordan Hristoskov said he will propose again the criminalisation of non-payment of social insurances. 

As of January 1, doctors will send the sick leave notes straight to the National Insurance Institute (NOI) by e-mail, reports the 24 Chasa daily.

According to the NOI director Biser Petkov the new procedure will ease and speed up the payment of the sick leave compensation, which by law is 15 days but in reality is much longer.