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The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report for June 1998 to June 2000, as well as information supplied in response to previous comments. It also notes the information set out in the very informative Action Plan 2000.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Government states that its employment strategy is based on economic growth that is strong, produces lots of jobs, and enables everyone to benefit. Economic growth was strong during the reporting period, driven primarily by domestic demand. More than 380,000 new posts were created in 1999 and 460,000 in 2000. Total employment grew by about 2.1 per cent in 1999 and 2.2 per cent in 2000. Unemployment decreased from 11.6 per cent in 1998 to 9.8 per cent in May 2000. Between June 1998 and June 2000, youth unemployment decreased by about 26 per cent, unemployment for workers over 50 decreased by about 14 per cent, and the number of people unemployed for over a year decreased by about 23 per cent. There are 220,000 workers with disabilities employed in the private sector, 100,000 in sheltered workshops, and 134,200 unemployed. The Committee notes these positive trends and would appreciate continuing to receive detailed disaggregated information on labour market trends.

2. The Committee also notes that the law on negotiated reduction of working time of 13 June 1998, which instituted a legal limit on working time of 35 hours per week or 1,600 per year, came into force and was extended by the law of 19 January 2000. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the impact of these measures on promotion of employment.

3. A request regarding other points (personalized employment services, older workers, training throughout life of workers) is being addressed directly to the Government.