Artificial intelligence is changing the job market, the skills workers need and the relationship between employers and staff, labour and social policy minister Natalia Efremova has said. She spoke at the national scientific conference "Law and Business in Modern Society" at the University of Economics in Varna, the ministry said.

Efremova cited a study by the International Labour Organization, which found that one in four workers worldwide has a job exposed to generative AI to some degree. She said the study shows that work is changing but whole professions are not disappearing. Many will probably change, because some tasks will be automated.

She also gave figures from the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training. They show that more than two-thirds of people who work with AI do their tasks faster and more efficiently. They have 30% fewer tasks, but more than 40% of their tasks are new.

"We cannot stop technological change, but we can prepare people for it," Efremova said.

She said the most important thing is for people to understand how AI works and how to use it properly. "The education system must first of all provide this basic knowledge, and then build on it with soft skills," the minister said.

Efremova said productivity alone does not measure the success of AI. The quality of jobs, chances to develop a career and the protection of workers' rights also count, she said. Training should be open to everyone throughout life, with timely help to learn new skills.

The ministry is working with the social partners to bring in the directive on better working conditions for platform work. The aim is to protect workers better and to guarantee their rights when an algorithm manages them.

The ministry offers free training paid for by the state budget and the EU. It also runs national programmes for subsidised employment. More than 1,200 digital clubs also form a network for people who lack the skills or technology to learn from home.

Earlier this week, at the "Young Talents 50+" forum, Efremova called on people to keep building their skills.

A National Platform for Online Training is due to start soon. The minister said it will make learning easier to reach and more flexible.