CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes the information supplied for the period 1 July 1998 to 30 June 1999.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. According to the report, dependent employment grew by 2.8 per cent in the private sector, and by 3.2 per cent in the public sector. Increases were mainly in construction, office work, the professions, and commerce, and decreases were in mining. Unemployment increased, but youth unemployment decreased as more young people continued their studies, and a growing awareness by youth and their parents of the importance of qualifications for competing in the labour market. But youth unemployment still comprises 37 per cent of total unemployment. A system of temporary employment has been established for young unemployed people (less than 26 years of age) and other jobseekers having difficulties. Other youth programmes include apprenticeships, training and work experience. The Committee notes this information and would appreciate receiving further details on the outcome of these programmes on employment promotion.

2. The Committee notes that subsidies are provided for hiring people with disabilities on fixed term contracts. Please provide further information on the impact of this programme on helping people with disabilities to secure employment of a more permanent nature.

3. Article 2. The Committee notes that there is no system to collect labour market data in the territory, except for periodic censuses. Please provide further information on how employment polices and programmes are kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy.

4. Article 3. The Committee notes that consultations with the tripartite Territorial Committee for Vocational Training, Social Promotion and Employment on employment policy are required. The Territorial Committee may also address issues on its own initiative. Please provide further details on incidences of consultation on employment policy matters covered by the Convention, and their outcome.