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The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report for the period 1 June 1998 to 31 May 2000.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Government states that the labour force grew by 0.7 per cent between 1998 and 1999, in large part due to an increase in the participation rate of women and immigrants. Employment grew by 0.1 per cent during 1998-99. Unemployment increased from 11.1 per cent in 1998 to 11.7 per cent in 1999, largely because of the increased participation of women and immigrants, and migration to urban areas. The regions with the highest unemployment were Epirus and West Macedonia. Women and young jobseekers comprise the bulk of the unemployed; however, employment of women during 1988-98 increased by 14 per cent.

2. The Committee notes the various measures the Government has taken to promote employment, including modernizing the labour market, improving skills match, establishing employment promotion centres, and targeted programmes for women, young jobseekers, and the long-term unemployed. It also notes the objectives the Government has set for itself in the near future, including: creating 300,000 new posts in 2000-04, providing 75,000 new training spots, restructuring the public employment service, and establishing a system to certify skill. The Committee also notes that although the report is very detailed concerning the problems identified and intended actions, it does not contain any indications of outcomes of specific programmes. However, the Government states that an evaluation of the certification programme is due in 2003, and that it is undertaking an electronic monitoring of policies. The Committee would appreciate receiving detailed information on the impact of the various programmes as it becomes available.

3. Article 3. The Committee notes with interest the Government’s statement that it has been working closely with the social partners and that it views their input as essential in all stages of policy formation, implementation, financing and evaluation. In particular, the social partners participate in the National Training Institute, the Monitoring Committee and the Programme for Professional Education and Training (EPEAEK). The Government adds that it intends to work more closely with the social partners in the future to ensure consensus. The Committee looks forward to receiving further information on how representatives of workers, employers and other persons affected by the measures taken are consulted concerning employment policies, with a view to taking fully into account their experience and views and securing their full cooperation.