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The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report for 1998-99.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. The Government states that employment has risen significantly, but nonetheless, unemployment also rose during this period, due to a large decrease in vacancies. Unemployment increased from 8.6 per cent in 1998 to 8.9 per cent in 1999. Unemployment for women rose from 9.2 per cent in 1998 to 9.4 per cent in 1999. Unemployment among youth (15-24 years old) rose by 15 per cent during 1997-98, but decreased by about 2 per cent in the first two quarters of 2000. Unemployment among new immigrants decreased from 11.7 per cent in 1998 to 10.9 per cent at the end of 1999. Please continue to provide disaggregated data on labour market trends, including the nature of job growth (full-time, part-time, temporary, etc).

2. The Government states that it is focusing on improving the Employment Service in several ways to reduce frictional unemployment. It has strengthened its contacts with employers, both directly and through business organizations, to improve its placement and follow-up services. And it has established Internet sites for disseminating information on available jobs and jobseekers. The Government has adapted its vocational training to better prepare workers to use new technologies, and is looking at concrete ways to implement the concept of lifelong learning. Furthermore, the Government is considering extending the scope of its public works projects, particularly to those who have been unemployed long term. It intends to combine participation on these projects with education and training opportunities, to broaden the skills of participants. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the impact of these measures on employment promotion. Please also provide further information on the number of participants and the criteria used for selection.

3. The Committee notes that draft policies had been prepared to address structural unemployment, but they had not yet been approved by the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs. Please indicate whether these policies have been adopted and the measures taken to implement them.

4. Article 2, in conjunction with Article 3. In reply to previous comments, the Government states that employment policy is first proposed by the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs and then adapted to general economic policy. The final policy is implemented through specific programmes and twice yearly reviewed. The Government also states that general economic policy is determined in cooperation with the Economic and Social Council, which is chaired by the Prime Minister and includes participation of employers’ organizations, the General Federation of Labour, and several government ministries. The social partners are also consulted when legislation is under consideration. The Committee notes this information and would appreciate continuing to give details on the outcome of the evaluations and on ways in which the views of representatives of workers’ and employers’ organizations are taken into account.