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The Committee takes note of the Government's report and the comments of the Confederation of Finnish Industry and Employers (TT), the Employers' Confederation of Service Industries (LTK), the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK), the Confederation of Salaried Employees (STTK) and the Confederation of Unions for Academic Professions (AKAVA), which have been transmitted with the report.

The Committee notes the explanations provided by the Government in reply to its previous direct request concerning the effect given to Article 4 of the Convention. The Committee notes that the STTK considers that regional tripartite labour market and training policy committees should be set up and that labour commissions should be developed as sources of expertise on the local labour market. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate in its next report whether new measures have been taken or are being contemplated to improve cooperation of employers' and workers' organizations at the regional and local levels.

Referring also to its observation on the application of Convention No. 122, the Committee notes with interest that the reform of labour market policy, which was introduced in early 1998, re-enforces the activities of the employment service in providing individual and regular assistance to individuals looking for employment, including assistance for the long-term unemployed. However, the Committee notes that, according to the SAK, the number of jobseekers for each client service employee is still too high and one-third of client service employees are working in a subsidized post for an average of only six months. The STTK points out the need for employment service staff to undergo further training. The Committee is of the opinion that the new responsibilities entrusted to the public employment service in the context of labour market policy make it essential to ensure that there are enough employment service staff and that they have the required training. The Committee invites the Government to indicate the measures taken to that end, bearing in mind the provisions of Article 9 of the Convention.