CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes the information contained in the report of the Government of New Caledonia received in August 2009, and also the attached documentation.

Articles 1(3) and 2(a) of the Convention. General economic policy measures. The Government indicates in its report that the labour market in New Caledonia totalled 69,091 employees as of 31 December 2008 (compared with 66,841 in 2007) and that the number of public sector employees was 14,979 in 2008 (compared with 14,579 in 2007) and that 15,803 self-employed workers were registered in 2008 (compared with 15,689 in 2007). The proportion of jobseekers within the active population was between 6.2 and 6.4 per cent in 2008, while the number of jobseekers stagnated between 2007 and 2008, with 28 more jobseekers in 2008. The Government also indicates that there was a notable increase in the level of education of jobseekers and in the proportion of women seeking work and a decrease in the number of long-term unemployed. The Committee notes that the three provinces (North, South and the Loyauté islands) show regional disparities with regard to the number of jobseekers and job offers. The Committee requests the Government to continue to supply information on the employment situation and the impact of measures taken to combat unemployment. It also requests the Government to indicate the steps taken or envisaged to promote harmonious regional development and to ensure the matching of labour supply and demand, on both an occupational and geographical basis.

Articles 1(2)(c) and 2(b). Labour market measures. The Government indicates that no notable change has occurred in its legislation or regulations concerning labour market policy measures. The Committee requests the Government to supply more detailed information on the results achieved regarding the creation of lasting employment, particularly on the impact of specific contracts for young persons – such as the provincial private enterprise access contract (CPAEP) and the provincial public interest contract (CPIP) for a maximum length of one year, and also the provincial solidarity contract (CPS) – designed to ensure their long-term vocational integration, as mentioned in previous reports.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the preparation and application of policies. The Committee notes the adoption of the New Caledonia Labour Code and its entry into force on 1 May 2008. It also notes that the Code was drafted in cooperation with the social partners and that their opinion is required before the adoption of any legislation relating to employment, whether through the Economic and Social Council, the Labour Advisory Committee or the Vocational Training Committee. The Committee requests the Government to continue to supply information on the measures taken to reinforce the participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of employment policies, stating the outcome and impact of the consultations held on the matters covered by the Convention.