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Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention.  The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s detailed report. The Government states that unemployment peaked at 6.3 per cent in 1999, dropping to 5.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2000. Unemployment is highest among youth; underemployment is highest among youth and older workers. The underemployment rate has also decreased recently, from 3.2 per cent in the third quarter of 1999 to 2.8 per cent in the first quarter of 2000.

The various policies used to promote employment include low taxation, promoting entrepreneurship, improved job matching through various education and training programmes, and computerized employment services. The Government has established targeted programmes for women, single parents, youth, older workers and the disabled. The Government has established a Task Force on Employment, comprised of the Financial Secretary, the Secretary for Works, the Secretary of Education and Manpower, the Secretary of Trade and Industry, and worker and employer representatives. The Government aims to create 140,000 jobs in 2000-01.

The Committee notes with interest the policies and programmes established by the Government, and would appreciate continuing to receive information on their impact on employment promotion.