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The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report received in September 2000.

1. Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention. The Government states that the estimated number of economically active population was 74 million in March 2000, about 50 per cent of the total population, and an increase of about 2.4 per cent since March 1998. Unemployment is about 12.3 per cent. The Government states that the employment situation improved in disadvantaged regions. To further improve the situation, the Government is paying attention to the importance of tripartite consultation, including a tripartite general agreement on enhancing employment and using economic stimulus packages to promote job growth. The Government also adds that in the future, bids for government financed investment projects will be judged in part on the estimated impact on job creation, particularly in regions with high unemployment. It also intends to promote economic diversification in towns that are heavily dependent on one industry. The Committee requests that the Government continue to supply information on the impact of the general agreement and other programmes to promote employment. Please provide information on other ways in which the views of employers and workers are taken into consideration in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of employment policies and programmes. Please also provide information on whether consultations are held with representatives of other groups potentially affected by employment policies and programmes, such as rural and informal sector workers.

2. The Government states that the majority of jobless persons do not bother to register with the employment placement service, and the number of people obtaining a job through the employment placement service declined by 23 per cent from March 1999 to March 2000. The ratio of registered unemployed to registered vacancies decreased from 5.5 in March 1999 to 2.1 in March 2000. Recalling the vital role that an effective placement service plays in promoting employment, the Committee would also appreciate receiving further information on steps taken or envisaged to improve the effectiveness of the public placement services and to encourage their use by both jobseekers and employers.

3. Part V of the report form. The Programme of Cooperation between the Russian Federation and the ILO for 2000-01 includes employment promotion, restructuring and enterprise development, encouraging human resources development, promoting job growth and preserving existing jobs, preventing mass lay offs, and overcoming discrimination in the labour market. Please indicate the actions taken as a result of these technical assistance projects, and the outcomes.