CMNT_TITLE

Article 6, paragraph 2(b), of the Convention. Improvement in the performance of the labour administration in the fields of employment, social protection and occupational safety and health. The Committee notes with interest the detailed information provided concerning the positive developments in the operation of the labour administration system during the period covered by the report.

The Government indicates that at the end of 2008, as a result of the improvement of employment capacities and the continuous training of human resources, vocational adaptation courses and other specific programmes, the unemployment rate was reduced to 1.6 per cent. The programme of assistance to young persons is reported to have promoted the integration of a large number of persons in work, with the action being undertaken in cooperation between the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, training institutes and other public bodies through various employment arrangements (direct employment, partial employment, on-the-job training and employment rehabilitation courses).

The level of minimum pensions is also reported to have been increased over recent years and, under the terms of Act 105 of December 2008 respecting social security, the annuities and benefits provided by the social security system have been extended to cover 100 per cent of workers, with entitlement to total or partial invalidity pensions being guaranteed.

The Government adds that greater vigilance in the implementation of occupational safety and health measures has resulted in a reduction in the number of employment accidents. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate whether it is planned to examine and find solutions for the issue of the unemployment of certain categories of workers, such as women and persons with disabilities, and if it would provide information and documentation on this subject.

The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.