CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report received in August 2000.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. The Government states that employment decreased during the reporting period, particularly in industry. The proportion of the labour force in the agricultural sector has increased from 28.2 per cent in 1990 to 37.4 per cent in 1998, due to the need for subsistence employment and a decrease in employment in industry. Registered unemployment was 11.5 per cent as of February 2000, but a labour force survey around the same time indicated unemployment at about 8.3 per cent. Unemployment increased more rapidly among men, due to industry restructuring. Employment in services grew slightly, but domestic demand remains weak due to widespread poverty. Youth unemployment decreased. The number of independent workers and unpaid family workers has grown. About 2.9 per cent of formal sector workers are underemployed, with the bulk of underemployment among youth and workers in rural areas. Of those in receipt of unemployment benefits, 53 per cent are long-term unemployed. The bulk of long-term unemployed are manual workers with only a primary education.

2. The Committee notes the Government’s intention to set a National Action Plan for employment promotion, based on the European Union guidelines for employment promotion, and is receiving technical and financial assistance from Germany and the Netherlands. To stimulate job creation in small and medium sized enterprises, the Government provides credit to those with a workforce of at least 50 per cent recently unemployed workers. The Government states that this programme has stimulated some job creation, but there are problems that still need to be addressed. The Government invests in the industrial, agricultural, transport, and energy sectors, and has implemented measures to prevent lay-offs in mining industries, and to aid laid-off workers. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate in its next report whether special difficulties have been encountered in attaining the employment objectives established in these plans and programmes.

3. To promote employment of youth, the Government provides wage subsidies for the first 12 months of employment or 18 months in the case of youth with disabilities. In 1997 there were 32,625 participants in subsidized employment, and in 1999 there were 17,600 participants. In order to promote employment of people with disabilities, firms employing more than 100 workers are required to ensure that 4 per cent of their workforce are people with disabilities. Please provide further details on the success of these programmes in promoting lasting employment for youth and workers with disabilities.

4. The Government also states that equality of opportunity between men and women is a priority, and has set up an International Consultative Commission on Equality Issues (CODES). Please provide further information on the outcome of the work of the International Consultative Commission pertaining to equality of opportunity in employment.

5. The Government states that training for unemployed persons is guaranteed by law, and six regional centres for adult vocational training are being established. The Government states that the current evidence shows that training courses help people to find jobs. Please continue to supply information on the number of participants, the nature of the training received, and what percentage of participants obtained employment as a result.

6. The Government states that large regional differences remain in the rate of employment and unemployment, with a high concentration of unemployed people in rural areas. The Government has created eight development regions and is working to combat rural poverty. It also periodically organizes employment forums in areas with high unemployment, but the placement rate for these forums is poor. The Committee notes this information and would appreciate receiving further information on policies and programmes aimed at promoting more balanced regional development and stimulating job creation in rural areas. Please provide further information on trends in regional development, and on the outcome of measures to promote employment in rural areas.

7. Article 2. The Committee notes that the Government aims to improve its labour market statistics and is in the process of establishing a monitoring system for policies and programmes that will include disaggregated data. Please continue to provide information on progress made in this respect.

8. Article 3. The Government indicates in its report that consultations occur through the National Council for Adult Vocational Training, the National Agency for Employment and Vocational Training, the Commission on Social Dialogue, and the Economic and Social Council. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on how the views of these bodies are taken into account in formulating and evaluating employment policies and programmes. In the light of the disproportionately high unemployment in rural areas, the Committee would appreciate receiving in the Government’s next report specific information on how representatives of workers in the rural sector are consulted.