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Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in September 2009 in reply to the direct request of 2008. The Government indicates that the stability of the country’s macroeconomic indicators has created favourable conditions for economic growth, improvements in living standards and the creation of new jobs. The Committee notes the detailed information from the National Commission for Statistics, according to which 766,277 new jobs were created between October 2003 and December 2010 and included 547,573 permanent posts with 80 per cent of the new jobs based in the regions and 86 per cent in the private sector. As regards the first half of 2009, a total of 36,000 new jobs were created which included 27,887 permanent jobs, with 71 per cent of these new jobs based in the regions and 94 per cent in the private sector. The Government indicates that the establishment of a socio-economic policy has led to a significant reduction in unemployment. The 10.7 per cent unemployment rate in 2003 fell to 6 per cent during the first half of 2009. Of the 44,125 persons registered as jobseekers with the employment services in the first half of 2009, a total of 11,759 found jobs. The Committee notes the adoption of an employment strategy for the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2006–15. As part of the implementation of the first stage of this strategy, a national programme for implementing the employment strategy for 2007–10 was adopted by presidential decree in May 2007. In the context of this programme, measures have been taken to improve the working environment and to establish a network of establishments for vocational training, retraining and skills improvement for jobseekers. The Committee requests the Government to include information in its next report on results achieved in the creation of jobs as part of the employment strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2006–15 and in the reduction of imbalances in the labour market between various regions of the country. It also requests the Government to describe the resources mobilized in the context of training policies aimed at better matching workers’ knowledge, qualifications and skills to the requirements of the labour market.

Vulnerable categories of workers. The Government indicates that measures have been established to promote employment and vocational training for refugees and displaced persons. Programmes aimed at achieving gender equality in employment seek, inter alia, to control the use of quotas in order to provide the citizens most in need of social protection with work, to develop women entrepreneurs and to promote vocational training for women jobseekers. In the context of the national programme for 2007–10, measures aimed at young persons have been adopted, particularly to facilitate the establishment of micro-loans and low-interest loans to aid enterprise start-ups and training programmes in economic activities designed for students. The Government indicates that, pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 22 November 2005 concerning the system of quotas applicable to persons at risk and having difficulties entering the job market, a total of 183 persons with disabilities found jobs in 2008 and 80 in 2009. The Government also indicates that, in the context of the Decent Work Country Programme 2006–09, measures have been taken to encourage the development of self-employment and entrepreneurship by women, the integration of persons with disabilities in the employment market, and the establishment of study programmes entitled “Enterprise creation and improvement”, aimed at the most vulnerable categories of the population, such as refugees and displaced persons. The Committee requests the Government to supply up-to-date information on the results achieved by the programmes established for the integration of vulnerable categories of workers in the employment market and, specifically, on the practical application of the quota system and its impact in terms of the placement of persons with disabilities in productive and lasting employment.

Article 2. Compilation and use of employment data. The Government indicates that the National Commission for Statistics takes the necessary steps to ensure the monthly compilation of data concerning the distribution of the workforce. In this regard, the Committee emphasizes the need to compile and analyse statistical data and trends as the basis for decisions regarding employment policy measures. It has made a point of monitoring the progress achieved in the establishment of labour market information systems, so that policy-makers can base their decisions on reliable, up-to-date information. In the General Survey of 2010 on employment instruments, the Committee highlighted the need to monitor progress and analyse data, as even the best-designed policies can have unexpected effects, can become outdated due to changing circumstances or may need to be modified to achieve maximum benefit (General Survey, op. cit., paragraph 70). The Committee requests the Government to provide more detailed information in its next report on the manner in which employment market data is compiled and used for deciding on and reviewing employment policy measures.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. In reply to the previous request, the Government refers once again to section 15 of the Labour Act, which provides for the establishment of tripartite committees for solving problems arising in the field of employment. The Committee draws the Government’s attention to the 2010 General Survey and points out that consultation of the social partners is essential in the formulation and implementation of employment policies to enable Governments to take full account of the experience and opinions of the latter. Convention No. 122 requires governments and social partners to undertake a regular review of employment market measures in order to evaluate their effectiveness in the implementation of a policy designed to achieve full employment. The Committee reiterates the importance of giving full effect to Article 3 of the Convention and requests the Government to supply detailed information in its next report on the manner in which the social partners are consulted within the tripartite committees regarding matters covered by the Convention. It also requests the Government to supply information on measures taken or contemplated to ensure the participation of rural sector and informal economy representatives in consultations regarding these policies.

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1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Application of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in October 2007 in reply to its direct request of 2006. The Government indicates that more than half a million new jobs were created during the reporting period, 86 per cent of them in the private sector. Moreover, 83 per cent of new jobs created have benefitted the regions, in particular thanks to the promotion of independent work and entrepreneurship. The Committee notes the adoption of a State Programme for the application of an employment strategy in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2007–10 and a set of priorities for job creation in the context of the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) for the period 2006–09, which lays down a national employment strategy, particularly in favour of young people. According to available data, the unemployment rate was 8.5 per cent in 2005. The Committee requests the Government to include in its next report information on the measures taken to achieve the priorities of the DWCP and on the impact of activities undertaken in the context of the State Programme for the application of an employment strategy in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2007–10 in reducing unemployment. Please also continue to report on the impact of measures taken to reduce imbalances in the labour market between the various regions of the country.

2. Labour market policies and employment services. The Committee previously asked the Government to supply information on the way in which it planned to reinforce the coverage and effectiveness of the employment services. The Government states that during the reporting period, 87,159 persons found jobs through the state employment services. Apart from recruitment fairs, “labour exchanges” are now being held in the cities of Baku, Nakhichevan, Sumqayit, Mingecevir and Ganja. These exchanges enabled 1,786 persons to find jobs in the first half of 2007 alone. Labour exchanges will be held in other cities and regions of the country. The Government also indicates that particular emphasis is being placed on vocational training activities. Hence, during the period covered by the report, 4,976 persons who participated in vocational training courses organized by the state employment services found work. In order to improve the effectiveness of the courses, a regional vocational training centre has been established in Baku. The Government also plans to open similar centres in other locations. The Committee requests the Government to supply information in its next report on the measures taken or contemplated so that the maximum number of unemployed persons can find jobs. Please also indicate the steps taken in the context of training policies aimed at better matching the knowledge, qualifications and skills of workers to the requirements of the labour market.

3. Particular categories of workers. The Government indicates that on 22 November 2005 the Cabinet of Ministers approved Resolution No. 213 issuing regulations with regard to the application of quotas for persons needing social protection and facing difficulties in the labour market. The persons covered by this instrument are people with disabilities, young persons under 20 years of age, parents of single-parent families with children under the age of majority, parents of families with more than two children, mothers of children with disabilities, persons reaching retirement age in less than two years, former prisoners, refugees, disabled war veterans and martyrs’ family members. The quotas are established in accordance with the labour market situation, but without exceeding 5 per cent of the staff members of an undertaking. The Government also points out that the UNDP and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection have set up training courses for persons with disabilities. The Committee would like to examine information on the results achieved by measures taken in favour of vulnerable categories of workers, and on the practical application of the quota system and its impact in terms of the integration of the persons concerned in productive and sustainable employment.

4. Article 2. Collection and use of data on employment. In its previous comment, the Committee noted the Government’s intention to conduct regular analyses of the unemployment situation in the country and to conduct systematic surveys of the active population. It also requested the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that there is regular collection and analysis of disaggregated data on the size and distribution of the workforce in the formal and informal economies, and also the impact of unemployment and underemployment. Recalling that data on the labour market are “an essential element for the decision and review of measures to be adopted for attaining the objectives of the Convention” (paragraph 104 of the 2004 General Survey on employment promotion), the Committee hopes that the Government will be in a position to supply information in its next report on the measures taken with a view to the collection and use of such data.

5. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the drawing up and application of policies. The Government indicates that, in accordance with section 15.1 of the Labour Act of the Republic of Azerbaijan, coordinating committees composed of representatives of workers, employers and government authorities and also of civil society organizations have been set up. These committees are responsible for finding operational solutions to problems arising in the area of employment. Furthermore, the Government is organizing seminars in collaboration with the social partners on the key aspects of the activities of the National Employment Service. The Committee invites the Government to continue to supply information on consultations on employment policy taking place within the tripartite coordinating committees and to indicate how and when these are organized. Please also indicate how far other sections of the active population, particularly representatives of persons working in the rural sector and the informal economy, have been consulted.

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1. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in September 2005 indicating that 55,000 people were officially registered as unemployed in Azerbaijan in March 2004. According to a labour force survey undertaken with technical assistance from UNDP and the ILO, 404,700 people were without work and actively seeking employment in June 2003, which translates into an unemployment rate of 10.7 per cent. The Government reports that among other targeted measures adopted (infrastructure development, land distribution, grant assistance and micro-credit facilities), a special programme was launched in February 2004 to promote employment among displaced populations. Recognizing the difficult circumstances arising from the displacement of an important number of people, the Committee notes from the Government’s 2003 Annual Progress Report (APR) for its State Programme on Poverty Reduction and Economic Development (SPPRED), that a new initiative on social and economic development was prepared for 2004-08 with the goal of creating 600,000 new non-oil sector jobs. It also notes that a new national employment policy is under consideration by relevant ministers and departments with help from the ILO. The Committee therefore asks the Government to indicate in its next report the progress made towards creating new jobs. It also requests information on the progress made in adopting and implementing the new national employment policy, as well as the employment promotion outcomes of the National Programme for Regional Socio-Economic Development in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2004-08 (Article 1 of the Convention).

2. Regions with high levels of unemployment. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that in some regions of the country the levels of unemployment are significantly higher than the national average (Bard, Mingetchevir and Naftalan). Unemployment is higher still among refugees and displaced populations predominantly in Kelbadjar, Khodjali, Agdam and Latchin. The Government indicates that it has begun work to create new jobs, promote self-employment and stimulate entrepreneurship across the regions. Similarly, the Committee notes from the APR that in 2003 the Government prepared comprehensive regional development plans for the Guba-Gusar-Khachmaz (northern) and the Astara (southern) regions. The Committee asks the Government to communicate detailed information on the measures adopted through the above initiatives and the impact they have had in promoting productive employment and reducing labour market imbalances throughout the country.

3. Labour market policies and employment services. The Committee recalls from its previous comments that the Government was considering a draft law on voluntary unemployment insurance and additional measures for older workers affected by enterprise downsizing. It also notes from the Government’s report that the State Employment Fund was abolished and that, as of January 2002, employment policies have been financed through the State Fund for Social Protection. With regard to employment services, the Government reports that, between 2002 and the first quarter of 2004, the national employment service helped 40,000 individuals find work, in part through job fairs and markets held throughout the country. According to the APR, however, the low level of unemployed people registered with the employment service (50,963 in 2002) relative to the number of unemployed people in the country (some 400,000 according to the 2003 labour force survey) suggests that there is little incentive to register either because of the level of benefits or because of a lack of employment service assistance for finding work. In this context, the Committee asks the Government to indicate in its next report how it intends to strengthen the inclusiveness and effectiveness of its employment services to assist greater numbers of unemployed people reintegrate into the labour market. Please also provide information on the status of the proposed voluntary unemployment insurance legislation. Furthermore, the Committee draws the Government’s attention to its 2005 comments on the Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88).

4. Particular categories of workers. The Committee notes that in 2003, 69.1 per cent of unemployed workers in Azerbaijan were under the age of 35, with the highest rate of unemployment among those between the ages of 20 and 24 (23.8 per cent). The Government indicates, however, that its employment services are particularly attentive to the employment problems of young workers and that 80 per cent of all unemployed people who took part in vocational training, and 60 per cent of individuals who found work, were young people under the age of 35. The Committee further notes that in 2003, the rate of unemployment among economically active men was 9.6 per cent in 2003, compared with 12.2 per cent among economically active women. In light of these figures, the Committee asks the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures taken and their impact in assisting vulnerable categories of workers, including women, young people, older workers and workers with disabilities. In this regard, please refer to the Committee’s 2005 comments on the application of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (No. 159).

5. Collection and use of employment data. The Committee notes with interest the Government’s efforts to improve the systematic collection of labour market data, especially through the completion in 2003 of a labour force survey by the National Statistics Agency in collaboration with the ILO. It notes from the APR that evaluating employment trends has been complicated in Azerbaijan by the fact that regular labour force surveys have not been carried out. However, the Government intends to prepare a regular analysis of the country’s unemployment situation and to institutionalize a labour force survey. The Committee therefore asks the Government to indicate in its next report what steps have been taken to regularly collect and analyse disaggregated data on the size and distribution of the labour force in both the formal and informal economy, and on the extent of unemployment and underemployment. Please also indicate what further action has been taken as a result of the technical assistance provided by the ILO (Article 2).

6. Participation of social partners in the formulation and implementation of policies. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the employment strategy currently in preparation states that the development of social dialogue is a priority of the national employment policy. It also notes that since 2001, a General Collective Agreement has been in place to coordinate the working relationship between the Government and the social partners for elaborating and implementing the national employment policy. The Committee asks the Government to provide specific information in its next report on the social partners’ involvement in and contribution to the preparation and implementation of the proposed employment policy. Please also indicate the extent to which other segments of the economically active population are consulted, including those working in the rural sector and the informal economy (Article 3).

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 2001 direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report for the period 1 June 1999 to 31 May 2000.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. The Government states that about 20 per cent of all jobseekers find a job through the National Employment Service job fairs, which are held in every town and district. About 42 per cent of those finding jobs through the fairs are women, and about 8 per cent are people with disabilities. The Government states that it pays particular attention to the needs of young jobseekers, notably army reservists, in obtaining more advanced job qualifications in modern fields of employment. New jobs have been created through the establishment of enterprises and self-employment with loans provided by the Government. Furthermore, the Government has created a work fund to provide temporary work for jobseekers. Since 1999, about 6,000 jobseekers have sought help, of which 2,000 have received temporary work, and the National Employment Service helps refugees to become agricultural entrepreneurs. For rural areas, the Government states that the National Employment Service has created new posts in charge of the employment funds. Lastly, the Government is considering a draft law on voluntary unemployment insurance and complementary measures for older workers affected by downsizing of enterprises. The Committee would appreciate receiving more detailed information on these programmes, including their impact on employment promotion.

2. Article 2. The Government states that employment policy is developed in conjunction with other economic and social policies, including social security and anti-inflationary measures. An annual action plan for the National Employment Service is elaborated and approved by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, based on an in-depth analysis of the socio-economic situation and labour market trends. The Committee notes with interest that the National Statistics Committee has elaborated and adopted a new form for gathering labour market statistics on a monthly, trimester and annual basis, which went into force in January 2000. The Committee looks forward to receiving detailed disaggregated data on labour market trends, based on this new methodology. The Committee also requests further information on how employment policies and programmes are kept under review within a coordinated economic and social framework.

3. Article 3. The Government has created coordinating committees for employment promotion, which include representatives of workers and employers, as well as social organizations, and a draft law on the duties and powers of these committees is under consideration. Furthermore, the unions have the right to participate in the elaboration of national employment policy, and their proposals are discussed in bipartite meetings between the Government and employers’ representatives. Please provide further information on measures taken to ensure that the views of employers and workers, including representatives of rural and informal sector workers and other affected groups, are taken sufficiently into account in the development, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 2001 direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report for the period 1 June 1999 to 31 May 2000.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. The Government states that about 20 per cent of all jobseekers find a job through the National Employment Service job fairs, which are held in every town and district. About 42 per cent of those finding jobs through the fairs are women, and about 8 per cent are people with disabilities. The Government states that it pays particular attention to the needs of young jobseekers, notably army reservists, in obtaining more advanced job qualifications in modern fields of employment. New jobs have been created through the establishment of enterprises and self-employment with loans provided by the Government. Furthermore, the Government has created a work fund to provide temporary work for jobseekers. Since 1999, about 6,000 jobseekers have sought help, of which 2,000 have received temporary work, and the National Employment Service helps refugees to become agricultural entrepreneurs. For rural areas, the Government states that the National Employment Service has created new posts in charge of the employment funds. Lastly, the Government is considering a draft law on voluntary unemployment insurance and complementary measures for older workers affected by downsizing of enterprises. The Committee would appreciate receiving more detailed information on these programmes, including their impact on employment promotion.

2. Article 2. The Government states that employment policy is developed in conjunction with other economic and social policies, including social security and anti-inflationary measures. An annual action plan for the National Employment Service is elaborated and approved by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, based on an in-depth analysis of the socio-economic situation and labour market trends. The Committee notes with interest that the National Statistics Committee has elaborated and adopted a new form for gathering labour market statistics on a monthly, trimester and annual basis, which went into force in January 2000. The Committee looks forward to receiving detailed disaggregated data on labour market trends, based on this new methodology. The Committee also requests further information on how employment policies and programmes are kept under review within a coordinated economic and social framework.

3. Article 3. The Government has created coordinating committees for employment promotion, which include representatives of workers and employers, as well as social organizations, and a draft law on the duties and powers of these committees is under consideration. Furthermore, the unions have the right to participate in the elaboration of national employment policy, and their proposals are discussed in bipartite meetings between the Government and employers’ representatives. Please provide further information on measures taken to ensure that the views of employers and workers, including representatives of rural and informal sector workers and other affected groups, are taken sufficiently into account in the development, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes.

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 2001 direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report for the period 1 June 1999 to 31 May 2000.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. The Government states that about 20 per cent of all jobseekers find a job through the National Employment Service job fairs, which are held in every town and district. About 42 per cent of those finding jobs through the fairs are women, and about 8 per cent are people with disabilities. The Government states that it pays particular attention to the needs of young jobseekers, notably army reservists, in obtaining more advanced job qualifications in modern fields of employment. New jobs have been created through the establishment of enterprises and self-employment with loans provided by the Government. Furthermore, the Government has created a work fund to provide temporary work for jobseekers. Since 1999, about 6,000 jobseekers have sought help, of which 2,000 have received temporary work, and the National Employment Service helps refugees to become agricultural entrepreneurs. For rural areas, the Government states that the National Employment Service has created new posts in charge of the employment funds. Lastly, the Government is considering a draft law on voluntary unemployment insurance and complementary measures for older workers affected by downsizing of enterprises. The Committee would appreciate receiving more detailed information on these programmes, including their impact on employment promotion.

2. Article 2. The Government states that employment policy is developed in conjunction with other economic and social policies, including social security and anti-inflationary measures. An annual action plan for the National Employment Service is elaborated and approved by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, based on an in-depth analysis of the socio-economic situation and labour market trends. The Committee notes with interest that the National Statistics Committee has elaborated and adopted a new form for gathering labour market statistics on a monthly, trimester and annual basis, which went into force in January 2000. The Committee looks forward to receiving detailed disaggregated data on labour market trends, based on this new methodology. The Committee also requests further information on how employment policies and programmes are kept under review within a coordinated economic and social framework.

3. Article 3. The Government has created coordinating committees for employment promotion, which include representatives of workers and employers, as well as social organizations, and a draft law on the duties and powers of these committees is under consideration. Furthermore, the unions have the right to participate in the elaboration of national employment policy, and their proposals are discussed in bipartite meetings between the Government and employers’ representatives. Please provide further information on measures taken to ensure that the views of employers and workers, including representatives of rural and informal sector workers and other affected groups, are taken sufficiently into account in the development, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes.

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The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report for the period 1 June 1999 to 31 May 2000.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. The Government states that about 20 per cent of all jobseekers find a job through the National Employment Service job fairs, which are held in every town and district. About 42 per cent of those finding jobs through the fairs are women, and about 8 per cent are people with disabilities. The Government states that it pays particular attention to the needs of young jobseekers, notably army reservists, in obtaining more advanced job qualifications in modern fields of employment. New jobs have been created through the establishment of enterprises and self-employment with loans provided by the Government. Furthermore, the Government has created a work fund to provide temporary work for jobseekers. Since 1999, about 6,000 jobseekers have sought help, of which 2,000 have received temporary work, and the National Employment Service helps refugees to become agricultural entrepreneurs. For rural areas, the Government states that the National Employment Service has created new posts in charge of the employment funds. Lastly, the Government is considering a draft law on voluntary unemployment insurance and complementary measures for older workers affected by downsizing of enterprises. The Committee would appreciate receiving more detailed information on these programmes, including their impact on employment promotion.

2. Article 2. The Government states that employment policy is developed in conjunction with other economic and social policies, including social security and anti-inflationary measures. An annual action plan for the National Employment Service is elaborated and approved by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, based on an in-depth analysis of the socio-economic situation and labour market trends. The Committee notes with interest that the National Statistics Committee has elaborated and adopted a new form for gathering labour market statistics on a monthly, trimester and annual basis, which went into force in January 2000. The Committee looks forward to receiving detailed disaggregated data on labour market trends, based on this new methodology. The Committee also requests further information on how employment policies and programmes are kept under review within a coordinated economic and social framework.

3. Article 3. The Government has created coordinating committees for employment promotion, which include representatives of workers and employers, as well as social organizations, and a draft law on the duties and powers of these committees is under consideration. Furthermore, the unions have the right to participate in the elaboration of national employment policy, and their proposals are discussed in bipartite meetings between the Government and employers’ representatives. Please provide further information on measures taken to ensure that the views of employers and workers, including representatives of rural and informal sector workers and other affected groups, are taken sufficiently into account in the development, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes.

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The Committee notes the information provided in response to its last direct request, particularly as to the active training and placement measures taken by the employment service, with the organization of labour fairs and promotion of self-employment, and the improvements in compilation of employment statistics. It looks forward to receiving more detailed information in future reports (as requested under Article 1 of the Convention in the report form approved by the Governing Body) on trends in employment as they affect different categories of jobseekers (women, youth, older people and those with disabilities); and on how employment goals are taken into account in budgetary, monetary and trade policies and in the development of each sector.

The Committee requests that the next report include information on the activities of the coordinating committees for employment promotion, in light of the consultation requirements of Article 3, read in conjunction with Article 2. The Committee also would appreciate information on any technical cooperation with the ILO in the implementation of policies under the Convention.

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The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending September 1996 and the information it contains in reply to its previous request. It asks the Government to supply in its next report full information in reply to the questions on the report form, with particular reference to the following points.

1. The Committee notes that the Government recognizes the present method of calculating the number of unemployed does not make it possible to apply appropriate policies. It notes that efforts are being made, with the assistance of ILO experts, to introduce new methods and hopes that the Government will be in a position to supply information in its next report on progress made in the collection and analysis of reliable statistical data on the situation and trends in the active population, employment, underemployment and unemployment, throughout the country and in the various regions, by sector of activity, sex, age and skill level.

2. The Government indicates that the social difficulties linked with the transition of the labour market and structural adjustment have been further aggravated by the state of war, the occupation of part of the territory and the large number of displaced persons. The Committee notes that, in this difficult context, the Government considers that the role of the State must be to ensure that economic reforms are compatible with promoting full, productive and freely chosen employment. In this respect, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate the effects noted or expected on employment as a result of implementation of the stabilization programme being carried out with International Monetary Fund and World Bank credits. Please also supply information on the measures taken or contemplated to encourage balanced regional development, particularly through the promotion of non-agricultural activities in rural areas.

3. The Committee notes the information concerning the role of the public employment service in the application of employment policy. It requests the Government to supply more detailed information on the nature and volume of activities of the public employment service, bearing in mind also the provisions of the Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88), and the Committee's comments on their application. The Committee notes that the Government plans to encourage self-employment as an important area of employment policy. It requests the Government to indicate the measures taken for this purpose and the expected results. In addition, please describe how vocational training and retraining activities are organized in order to promote better adaptation of the labour force to employment prospects. Finally, please indicate whether measures have been adopted to respond to the needs of particular categories of the population such as women, young people and disabled workers.

4. Article 3 of the Convention. With reference to its previous request, in which it noted that the Act of 1991 on the employment of the population does not explicitly give employers' organizations the same right to participate in the formulation of employment policy as it gives to workers' unions, the Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or under consideration in order to ensure that employers' representatives can participate, on an equal footing with workers' unions, not only in applying the employment policy but also at all stages of its formulation. Please indicate, furthermore, whether it is planned to include representatives of workers in the rural sector and the informal sector in the consultations required by this provision of the Convention. Please describe the practical procedures for these consultations.

5. Part V of the report form. Please indicate whether ILO technical cooperation projects relating to promotion of employment are in progress or planned.

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The Committee notes the Government's report on the application of the Convention for the period ending June 1994. It notes with interest that the Constitution guarantees the right to work and that the Act of 27 June 1991 on the employment of the population establishes the objective of employment policy as implementing the right of citizens to full, productive and freely chosen employment. It also notes that, under the terms of the Act, activities in the field of employment have to be coordinated with those relating to other aspects of economic and social policy, such as social security, growth, the redistribution of income and the containment of inflation. In order to make it easier to evaluate the effect given to the Convention in practice, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply further information in its next report on the effect given to each of the provisions of the Convention, in reply to the questions in the report form and with reference to the following points.

1. The Committee notes the Government's indication that, according to the data collected by the regional employment services, persons without employment account for around 18 per cent of the workforce, although only one-quarter of such persons are recognized as being unemployed. It also notes the information concerning the sectoral and regional distribution of employment. The Committee requests the Government to continue supplying statistical data that are as detailed as possible on the situation and trends of the active population and of employment, underemployment and unemployment throughout the country and in the various regions, by sector, sex, age and skills level. Please indicate the measures that have been taken or are envisaged to collect and analyse the data concerning the nature and trends of the labour market which are necessary for the pursual of the employment policy.

2. The Committee notes the Government's concern at the obsolescence of many jobs and the regional and sectoral imbalances in the employment situation, which are maintained, among other factors, by the insufficient level of rural development. It notes with interest that the Government considers that the process of economic reform has to be assessed in view of its impact on employment. In this respect, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate how the object of full, productive and freely chosen employment is taken into account in the adoption and implementation of measures to achieve the transition to a market economy. In particular, please supply information on the measures taken in such fields as investment policy; budgetary and monetary policies; and prices, incomes and wages policies. Please indicate the measures that have been taken or are envisaged to promote a more evenly balanced regional development.

3. The Committee notes the provisions of the Act of 1991 respecting the establishment of an employment fund and the organization of employment services. It also notes the emphasis placed by the Government on the need to take measures to coordinate training with the changing needs of the labour market. The Committee requests the Government to supply detailed information in its next report on the use of the employment fund, as well as on the measures taken to adapt the workforce to structural changes and, more generally, to coordinate education and training policies with prospective employment opportunities. In this respect, the Government could consider the provisions of the Human Resources Development Convention (No. 142) and Recommendation (No. 150), 1975. With regard to employment services, the Committee notes with interest that Azerbaijan has ratified Convention No. 88 and that the first report by the Government on the application of that Convention has just been received by the Office; the Committee will examine the report at its next session.

4. The Committee notes that the Act of 1991 on the employment of the population provides in section 19 for the establishment of national and local committees to coordinate the promotion of employment and that representatives of trade unions and of associations of entrepreneurs participate in these bodies. However, it notes that, although section 20 of the above Act establishes the right of trade unions to participate in the development of employment policy and to take the initiative of holding consultations with employers with a view to the conclusion of agreements in this field, a similar right is not explicitly established for employers' organizations. The Committee recalls in this respect that under the terms of Article 3 of the Convention, the representatives of the persons concerned, and in particular representatives of employers and workers, have to be consulted as to employment policies, "with a view to taking fully into account their experience and views and securing their full cooperation in formulating and enlisting support for such policies". Furthermore, in view of their importance in the active population, it would also seem appropriate to associate workers in the rural sector and those in the informal sector in such consultations. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would describe in its next report the practical procedures for consulting the representatives of all the persons affected.