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1. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in September 2005. It also notes the comments included by the Central Organization of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) and the Finnish Confederation of Salaried Employees (STTK) in the Government’s report. In reply to its previous direct request, the Government indicates that, according to the study conducted on the activities of private employment agencies, 13,200 companies used hired labour and thus hired 47,500 employees in 2003. The results of the study also indicate that the average duration of the hired labour relationship was 66 days. A total of 5,600 people were exchanged for work. The Committee would appreciate continuing to receive information relevant to the practical effect given to the Convention (Part V of the report form). Please also provide additional information on the following points.

2. Articles 11 and 12 of the Convention. The Government indicates that national collective agreements and company agreements concerning workers hired by private employment agencies have recently been concluded. It also indicates that the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Employment Contracts Act and of the new Annual Leave Act cover hired workers on the same terms as all other workers. The Committee invites the Government to continue to report on collective agreements concerning hired-labour employees that might be concluded during the period covered by the next report. It also requests the Government to indicate the manner in which adequate protection is guaranteed for workers employed by private employment agencies with regard to compensation in case of insolvency and statutory social security benefits (Article 11 (e) and (i)). Please also indicate the respective responsibilities of private employment agencies and user enterprises with regard to statutory social security benefits (Article 12(d)).

3. Article 13. The Committee notes that the Ministry of Labour launched in 2005, a partnership project with the Private Employment Agencies’ Association, which aims at finding new forms of cooperation between public and private employment services. The Committee asks the Government to keep it informed of the results that have been achieved in this regard.