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1. Coordination of employment policy and poverty reduction. The Committee notes the detailed information contained in the Government’s report received in October 2005. The Government indicates that, within the framework of its national strategy on poverty reduction and job creation, it has implemented a programme designed to achieve balanced regional development. This programme seeks to activate the role of popular participation in the management of development, to identify development planning indicators which can help in preparing, carrying out and evaluating strategic development plans, and in activating and promoting the use of information technology. The Government also refers to a programme aimed at promoting economic and social productivity in relation to the development of rural communities, and the promotion of productivity and infrastructures to support investment. It indicates that, by the end of 2004, this programme had succeeded in providing 6,465 permanent jobs and 1,400 temporary jobs. With regard to the manner in which the employment objectives have been taken into account in the adoption of general economic policy measures in areas such as monetary and budget policy or commercial policy, the Government explains that it has been promoting a policy of economic openness and trade liberalization with the goal of creating an attractive environment for business in order to increase local and foreign investment. It also mentions the free trade agreement signed with the United States, which includes labour provisions that reiterate the country’s commitments in relation to the ILO to respect and protect workers’ rights. The Committee welcomes the measures adopted, which are in line with the Convention, and asks the Government to keep it informed of the progress achieved through its various programmes and the manner in which the measures adopted have contributed to the creation of productive and sustainable employment. Please also provide information in the next report on the other measures taken to ensure that employment, as a key component of poverty reduction, is at the heart of macroeconomic and social policies (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention).

2. In reply to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government provides detailed statistics, contained in the National Survey on Labour and Unemployment 2005, indicating the number of workers by age, sex, level of education and sector. The Committee notes that the overall unemployment rate for the first quarter of 2005 was 13.4 per cent, but stood at 19.7 per cent for women, while the employment rate for women remained very low. The Committee asks the Government to continue to communicate statistical data in its next report on the situation and trends in employment, unemployment and underemployment, in particular with regard to female workers.

3. Labour market and training policies. The Committee notes with interest the measures taken to strengthen the vocational training systems and adapt them to the needs of the labour market. The Government indicates in particular that the Higher Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training was set up. Furthermore, the Vocational Training Institute contributes to the integration of its recipients into the labour market, and also undertakes studies on the training needs of the labour market as well as the follow-up of graduates. The Institute, which has, among others, 14 training centres especially for women, provides training programmes at the apprentice level and for high-level vocational training. The Government indicates that 4,816 women joined the national training programmes, of whom 4,411 have graduated. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the programmes implemented in relation to vocational training and the manner in which they have contributed to the integration of their beneficiaries, particularly women, in employment.

4. Consultation of the representatives of the persons affected. The Government indicates that it has adopted a participatory approach in the preparation of the recent development plan, as well as in the preparation of various national reports. It emphasizes that representatives of trade unions, as well as the private sector are part of the composition of national councils and that they participate in the work of the Vocational Training Institute, the Social Security Institute and the Vocational and Technical Education and Training Council. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the issues raised by the social partners and on the manner in which their opinions have been taken into account in the formulation of employment policy. Please also indicate the measures taken or contemplated in order to involve not only employers’ and workers’ representatives, but also the representatives of other categories of the active population, such as persons working in the rural sector or the informal economy, in these consultations (Article 3).

5. ILO technical cooperation. The Government indicates that a number of projects have been carried out by the Ministry of Labour in collaboration with the ILO, namely: (a) the Social Dialogue Project which aims to set up a National Committee for Social Dialogue and establish a Jordanian Social and Economic Council; (b) a Project for the Reduction of Child Labour, which includes seven training workshops in order to promote the capacity of inspectors and the training of trainers on child labour; and (c) a Project to Develop the Capacity of Employees of the Ministry of Labour, which includes five national projects aimed at strengthening the Ministry’s capacity. The Committee asks the Government to keep it informed on the results achieved in relation to the coordination of an active employment policy as a result of the implementation of these projects. In particular, the Committee requests the Government to report on any consultation on its employment policy held by the National Committee for Social Dialogue (Part V of the report form).