CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report for the period to 31 May 2002.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. The Government states that the active population engaged in economic activity increased from 54.9 per cent in 1999 to 56.1 per cent in 2000; unemployment decreased from 11.7 per cent in 2000 to 11.1 per cent in 2001, and the ratio of jobseekers to registered vacancies decreased from 11:1 in May 2001 to 8:1 in June 2002. In addition, involuntary part-time employment and administrative leave decreased. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on measures taken to promote the use of the state employment service, and any additional measures taken to reduce involuntary part-time and administrative leave, including involuntary extended unpaid maternity leave.

2. The Committee notes the enactment of Law No. 3076-III of 7 March 2002 on the State Programme of Employment of the Population for 2001-04. The Government states that the state programme emphasizes more efficient operation of special economic zones. It also supports establishment of small businesses, encourages employers to create new jobs, and supports enterprise initiatives of the unemployed through providing optional lump sum payment of unemployment benefits. The Committee would appreciate receiving further details on how enterprises are supported, in particular, what technical support and training is provided to micro and small enterprises. Please also provide further information on any other programmes designed to overcome regional disparities in employment.

3. The Committee notes with interest the Government’s efforts to expand skills development through the use of new methods and technologies. It would appreciate receiving further information on the outcome of these changes, such as the percentage of participants who subsequently obtain lasting employment. Please also provide further information on how participants are selected for training. The Committee also notes with interest the formation of the All-Ukraine Rehabilitation Centre for People with Disabilities, in cooperation with the ILO, and looks forward to receiving further information on progress made in promoting employment for people with disabilities. Lastly, the Committee notes the various programmes to promote youth employment, and requests further information on their outcome, as well as information on any programmes aimed at promotion of employment for women and other vulnerable groups, such as older workers.

4. Article 2. The Committee notes that the state programme closely links employment policy and economic policy and would be grateful if the Government would supply more detailed information on how employment policy is coordinated with economic and social policy, and how policies and programmes are kept under review.

5. Article 3. The Committee notes the comments provided by the Federation of Unions of Ukraine (FPU) that were forwarded by the Office to the Government in May 2002. FPU states that the Law on the state programme on employment is ineffective. No new policies have been introduced; administrative leave is still a serious problem; and the number of registered unemployed is projected to rise from 3.68 per cent in 2001 to 4.42 per cent in 2004. Furthermore, there is a substantial gap between the percentage of registered unemployed (3.7 per cent in 2001) and the statistical estimate based on the ILO definition of unemployed (over 11 per cent for the same period). FPU also indicates that there has been no effort to stimulate job creation, and that the number of economically active persons continues to decline. FPU points out that the high proportion of women among the unemployed (63.7 per cent) demonstrates the persistence of gender discrimination in the labour market. Lastly, FPU considers that despite the provisions of the Law, collaboration with the social partners remains poor. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on any action taken by the Government on the matters raised by FPU. Please also provide detailed information on the manner in which employers’ and workers’ organizations, and representatives of other concerned groups, such as rural and informal sector workers, are consulted in the formulation, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes.