CMNT_TITLE

Repetition

Part III of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living and other objectives of the social policy. The Committee notes with interest the information provided by the Government concerning measures taken to improve standards of living for the population of the Falkland Islands. It notes the Government’s indication in relation to progress made, including almost full employment, with an unemployment rate of one per cent, and increases in the average income for both working and non-working persons. The Committee further notes the positive impact of the Government’s social policies and its Economic Development Strategy (2010–25) on sustainable and stable economic growth. The Government reports that, under its 2018–19 budget, it approved an ambitious investment program for the development of critical transportation, energy and social infrastructure to support the Falklands Islands’ economic growth objectives. It adds that streamlined and updated immigration regulations are being implemented to support labour force development. The Committee notes that, since the introduction of the minimum wage on December 2013, the minimum wage rate has been regularly reviewed (at least every 12 months) and adjusted to the rate of inflation. In addition, the Government has established a living wage rate, which estimates the income an individual requires to maintain a minimum socially acceptable standard of living and has undertaken to ensure that all Government employees are paid at least the living wage.The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the updated immigration regulations on labour force development and to provide information illustrating that the improvement of standards of living has been regarded as the principal objective in the planning of economic development (Article 2 of the Convention). The Committee further requests the Government to continue to provide information, including statistical data disaggregated by age and sex, on the practical application of the Convention (Part V of the report form).