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In reply to the observation of 2007, the Committee notes the Government’s report received in March 2010 and the comments from the National Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Senegal (UNSAS).

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Coordination of employment policy with poverty reduction. The Government states that the draft employment policy drawn up in 2006 has not been implemented but that its key strategies have been incorporated into the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (GPRSP) 2006–10. The Government considers that the GPRSP in itself carries insufficient weight to reduce poverty and that this explains the weak performance of the GPRSP as regards the creation of decent and productive employment. The Committee notes that, in order to rectify this situation, a new national employment policy is being finalized. According to available data, the employment rate is 38.7 per cent, which means that, out of 100 persons of working age, less than 40 have a job. The national unemployment rate is estimated at 10 per cent, with a higher rate in the urban areas of the Dakar region (16 per cent compared with 6.3 per cent in rural areas) and for women (13.6 per cent compared with 7.9 per cent for men). Nearly 23 per cent of workers are underemployed. Poverty continues to have a strong impact on 75 per cent of the rural population. The Committee recalls that the first key stage on the way to achieving full, productive and freely chosen employment is demonstrating the political will to do so. The Committee observes that Article 2 of Convention No. 122 requires member States to adopt a clearly defined, coordinated economic and social policy as a framework (General Survey of 2010 concerning employment instruments,
paragraphs 785–787, which provide further guidelines for ensuring the application of Convention No. 122). The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide detailed information in its next report on the progress made in the adoption and implementation of a national employment policy. The Committee hopes that the Government will be in a position in its next report to indicate the results achieved by the measures taken in the context of the poverty reduction strategy in order to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment.

Article 2. Collection and use of employment data. The Government indicates that the various projects such as the Operational Directory of Occupations and Jobs (ROME), the National Employment Agency, and the National Employment and Vocational Qualifications Observatory (ONEQP) have not been developed as much as expected because the 2006 draft employment policy was not adopted. The Government points out that, with the National Agency for Statistics and Demography (ANSD), a draft master plan for the compilation of statistics has been drawn up which will enable more reliable information on employment to be available. UNSAS, for its part, emphasizes the lack of coordination between the different structures managing employment programmes and policies and refers to delays in the compilation of employment data going back to 1997. UNSAS also refers to the urgent need to establish a procedure to regulate supply and demand and to monitor job placement programmes. The Committee stresses the importance of the establishment of a system for the compilation of labour market data in order to be able to decide on and periodically review the measures to be adopted in order to achieve the objectives of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to supply information in its next report on progress made in this area.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the design and formulation of policies. The Committee notes the setting-up of a Higher Employment Council, an inter-ministerial structure responsible for monitoring the implementation of guidelines defined by the Government with regard to employment and training. The Government indicates that the social partners are represented within the inter-sectoral national committee for monitoring implementation of the Declaration on Employment and Poverty Alleviation issued by Heads of State and Government at the Ouagadougou Summit in 2004 and that they are actively participating in all phases of the design, implementation and evaluation of employment policies. The Government also indicates that, regarding the new draft national employment policy, the terms of reference and the memorandum of guidance have been shared with all the social partners and that, once the interim report has been filed, it is planned to hold sectoral meetings with the administration, the representative organizations of employers and workers, NGOs and occupational organizations in the rural and informal sectors before the meeting of the inter-sectoral committee responsible for approving the document which will be submitted to the Government for adoption. The Committee requests the Government to supply detailed information on the activities of the Higher Employment Council, stating the contribution of the social partners with regard to employment policies. It hopes that the Government’s next report will contain information which will enable it to evaluate the manner in which the experience and opinions of the social partners have been taken into account in the formulation and implementation of national employment policy.

Part V of the report form. Technical assistance from the ILO. The Government indicates that in November 2008 it received ILO support in connection with discussion of a strategy to formalize the informal economy, and that a draft plan of action for improving the informal economy has been drawn up. The Government also indicates that in September 2009 the ILO gave technical and financial support in connection with updating the draft new national employment policy. The Committee requests the Government to indicate in its next report the results achieved as a result of these technical assistance activities in terms of job creation and improved access to the labour market.

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The Committee notes that the Government has not provided information since the report received in September 2006. The Committee trusts that the Government will be able to provide a report, including information in reply to the points raised in the Committee’s 2007 observation, which sets forth the following matters.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Coordination of employment policy and poverty reduction. The Government indicated that the urban unemployment rate remains very high, although it fell to 12.7 per cent in 2001, compared with 14.1 per cent in 1994. The Committee noted the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (GPRSP) 2006–10, of October 2006, which indicated that the principal problem of the employment market is visible underemployment, which is at the rate of 21.8 per cent of the population. The Government reported that it has formulated, in a participatory manner, a new national employment policy (PNE), which was being validated. In this respect, the Committee noted from the GPRSP 2006–10 that, with a view to promoting a decent employment policy, the State will implement a policy of productive and inclusive employment, which has the following specific objectives: (i) promoting the improved management and employability of the labour force; (ii) reinforcing the effectiveness and transparency of the employment market; (iii) promoting self-employment in rural and urban areas; (iv) increasing the employment content of growth; (v) reinforcing and intensifying the contribution of productive sectors to employment creation and poverty reduction; (vi) developing and modernizing the public employment system; (vii) promoting an improved organization of the participation of migrant workers; (viii) promoting labour-intensive works; (ix) improving the economic and social situation of persons experiencing difficulties on the employment market; and (x) improving the health and living conditions of workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide a report containing detailed information on the manner in which the employment policy objectives set in the context of the GPRSP 2006–10 have been achieved. It also requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved by the measures adopted in the context of the poverty reduction strategy, with particular reference to young persons and women, and through any other measures implemented to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment.

Compilation and utilization of employment data. The Government indicated that the employment market is characterized by a lack of visibility, with no coordination between the various sources of information. To remedy this situation, the Government indicates that a project has been developed for the establishment of a national observatory of employment and vocational skills (ONEQP). The Committee noted that the Government has also received ILO assistance for the initiation of other projects, such as the operational list of occupations and jobs (ROME). In this respect, the National Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Senegal (UNSAS) reported slowness and delays in the implementation of the National Employment Agency, ONEQP and ROME. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate in the next report the progress achieved in the compilation of employment data, with an indication of the employment policy measures adopted as a result of the establishment of the Statistical Agency and the ONEQP.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the design and formulation of policies. In reply to the comments of the UNSAS, the Government emphasized that tripartism is used systematically in all phases of the design, implementation and evaluation of all employment programmes. It adds that the National Employment Policy Monitoring Committee has been replaced by the Intersectoral Committee to follow up the implementation, supervision and evaluation of the statement by Heads of State and Government of the African Union on employment and combating poverty. The Government indicated that this tripartite committee has held several meetings with a view to formulating the new national employment policy. The Committee requests the Government to provide examples in its next report of the consultations held with the social partners, among others in the context of the intersectoral follow-up committee, on the subjects covered by the Convention, with an indication of the opinions expressed and the manner in which they have been taken into account. The Committee recalls that the consultations envisaged by the Convention require the consultation of representatives of all of the persons affected, including those in the rural sector and the informal economy, and it requests the Government to indicate the measures envisaged with a view to ensuring that the latter collaborate fully in the design and implementation of employment policies.

Part V of the report form. ILO technical assistance. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the action taken as a result of the technical assistance received from the ILO, with a view to the implementation of an active employment policy within the meaning of the Convention.

[The Government is asked to reply in detail to the present comments in 2010.]

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its 2007 observation, which read as follows:

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Coordination of employment policy and poverty reduction. The Committee notes the Government’s report for the period ending September 2006, the observations of the National Union of Autonomous Trade Unions of Senegal (UNSAS) and the Government’s reply received in October 2006. The Government indicates that the urban unemployment rate remains very high, although it fell to 12.7 per cent in 2001, compared with 14.1 per cent in 1994. The Committee notes with interest the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (GPRSP) 2006–10, of October 2006, which indicates that the principal problem of the employment market is visible underemployment, which is at the rate of 21.8 per cent of the population (or 1,002,372 active persons). The Government reports that it has formulated in a participatory manner a new national employment policy (PNE), which is currently being validated. In this respect, the Committee notes from the GPRSP 2006–10 that, with a view to promoting a decent employment policy, the State will implement a policy of productive and inclusive employment which has the following specific objectives: (i) promoting the improved management and employability of the labour force; (ii) reinforcing the effectiveness and transparency of the employment market; (iii) promoting self-employment in rural and urban areas; (iv) increasing the employment content of growth; (v) reinforcing and intensifying the contribution of productive sectors to employment creation and poverty reduction; (vi) developing and modernizing the public employment system; (vii) promoting an improved organization of the participation of migrant workers; (viii) promoting labour-intensive works; (ix) improving the economic and social situation of persons experiencing difficulties on the employment market; and (x) improving the health and living conditions of workers. The Committee emphasizes the importance of ensuring that employment, as a key component of poverty reduction, is central to macroeconomic and social policies. It requests the Government to provide a report containing detailed information on the manner in which the employment policy objectives set in the context of the GPRSP 2006–10 have been achieved. It also requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved by the measures adopted in the context of the Poverty Reduction Strategy, with particular reference to young persons and women, and through any other measure implemented to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment.

2. Compilation and utilization of employment data. The Government indicates that the employment market is characterized by a lack of visibility, with no coordination between the various sources of information. To remedy this situation, the Government indicates that a project has been developed for the establishment of a national observatory of employment and vocational skills (ONEQP). The Committee notes with interest that the Government has also received ILO assistance for the initiation of other projects, such as the operational list of occupations and jobs (ROME). In this respect, the UNSAS reports slowness and delays in the implementation of the National Employment Agency, ONEQP and ROME. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate in the next report the progress achieved in the compilation of employment data, with an indication of the employment policy measures adopted as a result of the establishment of the Statistical Agency and the National Observatory of Employment and Vocational Skills.

3. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the design and formulation of policies. In reply to the comments of the UNSAS, the Government emphasizes that tripartism is used systematically in all phases of the design, implementation and evaluation of all employment programmes. It adds that the National Employment Policy Monitoring Committee has been replaced by the Intersectoral Committee to follow up the implementation, supervision and evaluation of the Statement by Heads of State and Government of the African Union on employment and combating poverty. The Government indicates that this tripartite committee has held several meetings with a view to formulating the new national employment policy. The Committee requests the Government to provide examples in its next report of the consultations held with the social partners, among others in the context of the intersectoral follow-up committee, on the subjects covered by the Convention, with an indication of the opinions expressed and the manner in which they have been taken into account. The Committee recalls that the consultations envisaged by the Convention require the consultation of representatives of all of the persons affected, including those in the rural sector and the informal economy, and it requests the Government to indicate the measures envisaged with a view to ensuring that the latter collaborate fully in the design and implementation of employment policies.

4. Part V of the report form. ILO technical assistance. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the action taken as a result of the technical assistance received from the ILO with a view to the implementation of an active employment policy within the meaning of the Convention.

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1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Coordination of employment policy and poverty reduction. The Committee notes the Government’s report for the period ending September 2006, the observations of the National Union of Autonomous Trade Unions of Senegal (UNSAS) and the Government’s reply received in October 2006. The Government indicates that the urban unemployment rate remains very high, although it fell to 12.7 per cent in 2001, compared with 14.1 per cent in 1994. The Committee notes with interest the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (GPRSP) 2006–10, of October 2006, which indicates that the principal problem of the employment market is visible underemployment, which is at the rate of 21.8 per cent of the population (or 1,002,372 active persons). The Government reports that it has formulated in a participatory manner a new national employment policy (PNE), which is currently being validated. In this respect, the Committee notes from the GPRSP 2006–10 that, with a view to promoting a decent employment policy, the State will implement a policy of productive and inclusive employment which has the following specific objectives: (i) promoting the improved management and employability of the labour force; (ii) reinforcing the effectiveness and transparency of the employment market; (iii) promoting self-employment in rural and urban areas; (iv) increasing the employment content of growth; (v) reinforcing and intensifying the contribution of productive sectors to employment creation and poverty reduction; (vi) developing and modernizing the public employment system; (vii) promoting an improved organization of the participation of migrant workers; (viii) promoting labour-intensive works; (ix) improving the economic and social situation of persons experiencing difficulties on the employment market; and (x) improving the health and living conditions of workers. The Committee emphasizes the importance of ensuring that employment, as a key component of poverty reduction, is central to macroeconomic and social policies. It requests the Government to provide a report containing detailed information on the manner in which the employment policy objectives set in the context of the GPRSP 2006–10 have been achieved. It also requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved by the measures adopted in the context of the Poverty Reduction Strategy, with particular reference to young persons and women, and through any other measure implemented to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment.

2. Compilation and utilization of employment data. The Government indicates that the employment market is characterized by a lack of visibility, with no coordination between the various sources of information. To remedy this situation, the Government indicates that a project has been developed for the establishment of a national observatory of employment and vocational skills (ONEQP). The Committee notes with interest that the Government has also received ILO assistance for the initiation of other projects, such as the operational list of occupations and jobs (ROME). In this respect, the UNSAS reports slowness and delays in the implementation of the National Employment Agency, ONEQP and ROME. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate in the next report the progress achieved in the compilation of employment data, with an indication of the employment policy measures adopted as a result of the establishment of the Statistical Agency and the National Observatory of Employment and Vocational Skills.

3. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the design and formulation of policies. In reply to the comments of the UNSAS, the Government emphasizes that tripartism is used systematically in all phases of the design, implementation and evaluation of all employment programmes. It adds that the National Employment Policy Monitoring Committee has been replaced by the Intersectoral Committee to follow up the implementation, supervision and evaluation of the Statement by Heads of State and Government of the African Union on employment and combating poverty. The Government indicates that this tripartite committee has held several meetings with a view to formulating the new national employment policy. The Committee requests the Government to provide examples in its next report of the consultations held with the social partners, among others in the context of the intersectoral follow-up committee, on the subjects covered by the Convention, with an indication of the opinions expressed and the manner in which they have been taken into account. The Committee recalls that the consultations envisaged by the Convention require the consultation of representatives of all of the persons affected, including those in the rural sector and the informal economy, and it requests the Government to indicate the measures envisaged with a view to ensuring that the latter collaborate fully in the design and implementation of employment policies.

4. Part V of the report form. ILO technical assistance. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the action taken as a result of the technical assistance received from the ILO with a view to the implementation of an active employment policy within the meaning of the Convention.

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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 2004 direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes the brief information provided by the Government in August 2004, which does not address the matters raised in its direct request of 2002. It again requests the Government to provide copies of reports, studies or inquiries, as well as detailed and disaggregated statistics, showing the attainment of the objectives set out in the programmes established as part of the strategic framework to combat poverty, and to indicate the manner in which an active policy to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment is pursued in this context. It hopes that the Government’s next report will contain detailed information on all measures demonstrating the effectiveness of an active employment policy in the context of a coordinated economic and social policy. In this respect, the Government is invited to refer to the questions raised under Article 1 of the Convention in the report form adopted by the Governing Body, with a view to providing particulars on the implementation of the above measures and supplying any evaluations of their effectiveness as well as available statistics.

2. The Committee hopes that the Government will provide information in its next report on the measures taken to compile statistical and other data on the distribution of the labour force, the nature and volume of unemployment and underemployment and the trends in these fields, and that it will be able to indicate the manner in which the information compiled on the labour market is taken into consideration in deciding on and keeping under review the measures to be adopted under the national employment policy, as required by Article 2.

3. Article 3. Please specify the manner in which the representatives of the persons affected are consulted with regard to employment policies and indicate the formal consultation procedures established for this purpose. The Committee hopes in particular that the Government will report on the work of the Committee on the Follow-up to the National Employment Policy (CSPE).

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1. The Committee notes the brief information provided by the Government in August 2004, which does not address the matters raised in its direct request of 2002. It again requests the Government to provide copies of reports, studies or inquiries, as well as detailed and disaggregated statistics, showing the attainment of the objectives set out in the programmes established as part of the strategic framework to combat poverty, and to indicate the manner in which an active policy to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment is pursued in this context. It hopes that the Government’s next report will contain detailed information on all measures demonstrating the effectiveness of an active employment policy in the context of a coordinated economic and social policy. In this respect, the Government is invited to refer to the questions raised under Article 1 of the Convention in the report form adopted by the Governing Body, with a view to providing particulars on the implementation of the above measures and supplying any evaluations of their effectiveness as well as available statistics.

2. The Committee hopes that the Government will provide information in its next report on the measures taken to compile statistical and other data on the distribution of the labour force, the nature and volume of unemployment and underemployment and the trends in these fields, and that it will be able to indicate the manner in which the information compiled on the labour market is taken into consideration in deciding on and keeping under review the measures to be adopted under the national employment policy, as required by Article 2.

3. Article 3. Please specify the manner in which the representatives of the persons affected are consulted with regard to employment policies and indicate the formal consultation procedures established for this purpose. The Committee hopes in particular that the Government will report on the work of the Committee on the Follow-up to the National Employment Policy (CSPE).

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The Committee notes the brief information on the measures to implement the Five-Year Action Plan (PAE) provided by the Government in its report received in September 2002.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. In its report, the Government provides information on measures to promote youth employment, which have resulted in the establishment of a vocational integration network. It indicates that it is pursuing its efforts to promote self-employment and jobs in rural areas. It refers to international cooperation in the national campaign to raise awareness of employment. Finally, it mentions the preparation, with ILO support, of the Plan of Action "Jobs to reduce poverty" in the context of the ILO "Jobs for Africa" Programme, in which Senegal is participating. The Committee requests the Government to provide copies of reports, studies or investigations, as well as detailed and disaggregated statistics showing the attainment of the objectives set out in the programmes established for the purposes of the strategic framework to combat poverty, and to indicate the manner in which an active policy to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment is pursued in this context. In general, the Committee hopes to find in the Government’s next report more detailed information on all measures demonstrating the effectiveness of an explicitly declared active employment policy in the context of a coordinated economic and social policy. In this respect, the Government is requested to refer to the questions raised under Article 1 in the report form adopted by the Governing Body, with a view to providing particulars on the implementation of the above measures, and to supply any evaluations of their effectiveness as well as available statistics.

2. The Committee notes the information concerning the development of the Labour Market Information System (SIME), with ILO support, and the establishment of a national employment agency with the support of French technical cooperation. It hopes that the Government will provide information in its next report on the measures taken to compile statistical and other data on the distribution of the labour force, the nature and volume of unemployment and underemployment and the trends in these fields, and that it will be able to indicate the manner in which the information compiled on the labour market is taken into consideration in deciding on and keeping under review the measures to be adopted under the national employment policy, as required by Article 2.

3. Article 3. The Committee notes the information concerning the active collaboration between the social partners in the establishment of the vocational integration network (RIP) and the development with professionals in the fields of general mechanics and automobiles (PROMECABILE) of a promotional and apprenticeship programme in artisanal establishments in the crafts sector. This information, while indicating the benefit of associating the representative organizations of employers and workers in the implementation of specific measures, does not however demonstrate the full consultation of the representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations and of other categories of the active population, particularly in the rural sector and in the informal economy, in the formulation of employment policies, within the meaning of Article 3 of the Convention. The Committee asks the Government to specify the manner in which the representatives of the persons affected are consulted with regard to employment policies and to indicate the formal consultation procedures established for this purpose. In particular, the Committee hopes that the Government will report on the work of the Committee to Follow up the National Employment Policy (CSPE).

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The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report received in September 2000.

The Committee notes that the labour force is increasing by about 3.8 per cent per year. Growth is more intensive in urban areas due to migration. Due to the high unemployment and underemployment, the Government established a Committee to follow employment policy (CSPE) to elaborate and put in place innovative employment policies and strategies. The Government states that its employment policy, established in 1997, emphasizes a global and inter-sectoral approach with wide consultation. It is implemented through the five-year Action Plan (PAE). Priorities set out in the Plan include reorganizing multi-sectoral activities to employment promotion; supporting development of SMEs and aiding distressed enterprises; employment promotion in rural areas and the informal economy; and employment promotion for youth, women, disabled workers and migrants. Generally, the Government aims to improve labour market management, restructure the public employment placement service, and establish a labour market information system (SIME). Specific actions undertaken include completing a census of vacancies in February 1999, and signing a National Pact with employers on employment promotion for youth in April 2000. Please continue to supply detailed information on actions taken to carry out the PAE, and their impact on employment promotion.

The Committee also notes that Senegal participates in the ILO Jobs for Africa Programme, and that the Office has assisted in developing employment policy, the Action Plan and the National Pact with employers, and has provided input on the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper. The Committee requests that the Government provide information in its next report on actions taken, with assistance from the Office, concerning establishment of an employment policy within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy, in consultation with those affected, and to indicate any particular difficulties encountered, in conformity with Articles 1, 2, and 3 of the Convention. Please also supply copies of reports, studies or inquiries, as well as detailed and disaggregated statistics, to facilitate the evaluation of the situation, level and trends and any other items which would illustrate how the employment policy objectives defined by the programmes established, in cooperation with the Office, for the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper have been attained.

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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 previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. With reference to its previous direct request, the Committee notes the persistent difficulties encountered in collecting and analysing statistical data on employment. Noting that the Government recognizes the need for reliable and complete data, including on employment in the rural and informal sectors and (as indicated in the report form adopted by the Governing Body) that such data constitute an essential basis for decisions concerning the employment policy measures contemplated by the Convention, it asks the Government to describe any new measures taken to this end and to provide available statistics.

2. The Committee notes with interest that a new committee has been set up under the Ministry of Labour and Employment to monitor national employment policy, and that it was to prepare the basic elements for a national employment policy in 1996. The Committee has also been informed that a seminar on this subject was held in February 1996 with support from the International Labour Office, and that the Office has assisted the new committee in carrying out studies. The Committee hopes that the Government's next report will contain new information showing that an employment policy in accordance with Article 1 of the Convention is indeed being formulated, in the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. It trusts that the Government will continue to request assistance in this matter from the ILO office at Dakar whenever it deems appropriate.

3. The Committee notes the information supplied on the job-creation programmes under way or envisaged. It asks the Government to continue to provide detailed information on the implementation of the various programmes, including any available evaluation of their effectiveness. The Committee also notes the emphasis given to promoting employment in the informal sector including facilitating access to credit and improving management capacity in the sector. It would be grateful if the Government would provide details of the national strategy and action plan referred to in its report.

4. The Committee notes with interest the Government's efforts to involve representatives of all those concerned in measures taken concerning employment policy. It would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide information in this respect, taking into account in particular the terms of Article 3 of the Convention.

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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 previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the Government's report prepared in May 1996 and the information it contains in reply to the previous direct request. It notes the Government's statement that, in the present context of a crisis and stringent structural adjustment measures, it is encountering serious difficulties in implementing the requisite policy, programmes and projects to give effect to the Convention. It would be grateful if, in its next report, the Government would provide information which is as detailed as possible, particularly on the following points.

1. With reference to its previous direct request, the Committee notes the persistent difficulties encountered in collecting and analysing statistical data on employment. Noting that the Government recognizes the need for reliable and complete data, including on employment in the rural and informal sectors and (as indicated in the report form adopted by the Governing Body) that such data constitute an essential basis for decisions concerning the employment policy measures contemplated by the Convention, it asks the Government to describe any new measures taken to this end and to provide available statistics.

2. The Committee notes with interest that a new committee has been set up under the Ministry of Labour and Employment to monitor national employment policy, and that it was to prepare the basic elements for a national employment policy in 1996. The Committee has also been informed that a seminar on this subject was held in February 1996 with support from the International Labour Office, and that the Office has assisted the new committee in carrying out studies. The Committee hopes that the Government's next report will contain new information showing that an employment policy in accordance with Article 1 of the Convention is indeed being formulated, in the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. It trusts that the Government will continue to request assistance in this matter from the ILO office at Dakar whenever it deems appropriate.

3. The Committee notes the information supplied on the job-creation programmes under way or envisaged. It asks the Government to continue to provide detailed information on the implementation of the various programmes, including any available evaluation of their effectiveness. The Committee also notes the emphasis given to promoting employment in the informal sector including facilitating access to credit and improving management capacity in the sector. It would be grateful if the Government would provide details of the national strategy and action plan referred to in its report.

4. The Committee notes with interest the Government's efforts to involve representatives of all those concerned in measures taken concerning employment policy. It would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide information in this respect, taking into account in particular the terms of Article 3 of the Convention.

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The Committee notes the Government's report prepared in May 1996 and the information it contains in reply to the previous direct request. It notes the Government's statement that, in the present context of a crisis and stringent structural adjustment measures, it is encountering serious difficulties in implementing the requisite policy, programmes and projects to give effect to the Convention. It would be grateful if, in its next report, the Government would provide information which is as detailed as possible, particularly on the following points.

1. With reference to its previous direct request, the Committee notes the persistent difficulties encountered in collecting and analysing statistical data on employment. Noting that the Government recognizes the need for reliable and complete data, including on employment in the rural and informal sectors and (as indicated in the report form adopted by the Governing Body) that such data constitute an essential basis for decisions concerning the employment policy measures contemplated by the Convention, it asks the Government to describe any new measures taken to this end and to provide available statistics.

2. The Committee notes with interest that a new committee has been set up under the Ministry of Labour and Employment to monitor national employment policy, and that it was to prepare the basic elements for a national employment policy in 1996. The Committee has also been informed that a seminar on this subject was held in February 1996 with support from the International Labour Office, and that the Office has assisted the new committee in carrying out studies. The Committee hopes that the Government's next report will contain new information showing that an employment policy in accordance with Article 1 of the Convention is indeed being formulated, in the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. It trusts that the Government will continue to request assistance in this matter from the ILO office at Dakar whenever it deems appropriate.

3. The Committee notes the information supplied on the job-creation programmes under way or envisaged. It asks the Government to continue to provide detailed information on the implementation of the various programmes, including any available evaluation of their effectiveness. The Committee also notes the emphasis given to promoting employment in the informal sector including facilitating access to credit and improving management capacity in the sector. It would be grateful if the Government would provide details of the national strategy and action plan referred to in its report.

4. The Committee notes with interest the Government's efforts to involve representatives of all those concerned in measures taken concerning employment policy. It would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide information in this respect, taking into account in particular the terms of Article 3 of the Convention.

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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 previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes that the Government recognizes the importance of collecting and analysing statistical data on the volume and distribution of the workforce, the nature and extent of unemployment and underemployment and trends in these areas. It indicates that the Manpower Service is responsible for compiling statistics on employment and conducting surveys with a view to gaining greater knowledge of the employment market and the mechanisms of job supply and demand. The Committee observes however that the report contains no figures showing trends in employment, underemployment and unemployment and their relationship, in particular, to the implementation of the structural adjustment programme. It would be grateful if the Government would provide all available statistics with its next report and, if any, the results of surveys carried out in the context of international technical cooperation projects.

2. The Government indicates that the national agreement for the promotion of employment concluded in 1987 by the Government and the employers has not produced the results anticipated. However, it does not give full particulars of the objectives of the various programmes. Please describe in as much detail as possible the results obtained as concerns young people who have obtained lasting employment upon completion of the courses. The Committee notes that the Government attributes the employers' limited interest in implementing the national agreement to difficulties in enterprises. It also notes that the operation of the joint committee has been affected by restructuring in the administrations concerned. Please provide information on the measures taken to associate employers and their organizations more closely with programmes to promote the employment of young people.

3. The Committee notes the information concerning the projects financed by the National Employment Fund and the Special Fund, whose objectives include retraining for graduates and the redeployment of workers who have lost their jobs in the public sector. Please provide all available information on the impact of these projects in terms of the number of jobs created and the vocational integration of the persons concerned.

4. The Government also refers to programmes for the promotion of employment in the urban and rural informal sector, which include measures to make credit available for small-scale initiatives and to encourage their organization in economic interest groupings. It also refers to the National Plan of Action for Women. Please provide detailed information on the implementation of each programme, the difficulties encountered and the results obtained.

5. The Committee has been informed of the relevant ILO technical cooperation activities. It notes that the Office is to be the executing agency for a project to assist in the definition and implementation of a national employment policy, in the context of the Vth UNDP programme in Senegal. The Committee notes that the project's objectives include the adoption of a National Employment Programme (1992-95), the establishment of appropriate machinery for implementation and evaluation, the adaptation and coordination of the programmes for vocational integration, reintegration and job creation being implemented under the National Employment Programme. It is confident that the project will enable the Convention to be better applied and asks the Government to indicate to what extent it will have contributed to the formulation and application, in consultation with representatives of the persons affected, of an active employment promotion policy in accordance with Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention.

CMNT_TITLE

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 previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes that the Government recognizes the importance of collecting and analysing statistical data on the volume and distribution of the workforce, the nature and extent of unemployment and underemployment and trends in these areas. It indicates that the Manpower Service is responsible for compiling statistics on employment and conducting surveys with a view to gaining greater knowledge of the employment market and the mechanisms of job supply and demand. The Committee observes however that the report contains no figures showing trends in employment, underemployment and unemployment and their relationship, in particular, to the implementation of the structural adjustment programme. It would be grateful if the Government would provide all available statistics with its next report and, if any, the results of surveys carried out in the context of international technical cooperation projects.

2. The Government indicates that the national agreement for the promotion of employment concluded in 1987 by the Government and the employers has not produced the results anticipated. However, it does not give full particulars of the objectives of the various programmes. Please describe in as much detail as possible the results obtained as concerns young people who have obtained lasting employment upon completion of the courses. The Committee notes that the Government attributes the employers' limited interest in implementing the national agreement to difficulties in enterprises. It also notes that the operation of the joint committee has been affected by restructuring in the administrations concerned. Please provide information on the measures taken to associate employers and their organizations more closely with programmes to promote the employment of young people.

3. The Committee notes the information concerning the projects financed by the National Employment Fund and the Special Fund, whose objectives include retraining for graduates and the redeployment of workers who have lost their jobs in the public sector. Please provide all available information on the impact of these projects in terms of the number of jobs created and the vocational integration of the persons concerned.

4. The Government also refers to programmes for the promotion of employment in the urban and rural informal sector, which include measures to make credit available for small-scale initiatives and to encourage their organization in economic interest groupings. It also refers to the National Plan of Action for Women. Please provide detailed information on the implementation of each programme, the difficulties encountered and the results obtained.

5. The Committee has been informed of the relevant ILO technical cooperation activities. It notes that the Office is to be the executing agency for a project to assist in the definition and implementation of a national employment policy, in the context of the Vth UNDP programme in Senegal. The Committee notes that the project's objectives include the adoption of a National Employment Programme (1992-95), the establishment of appropriate machinery for implementation and evaluation, the adaptation and coordination of the programmes for vocational integration, reintegration and job creation being implemented under the National Employment Programme. It is confident that the project will enable the Convention to be better applied and asks the Government to indicate to what extent it will have contributed to the formulation and application, in consultation with representatives of the persons affected, of an active employment promotion policy in accordance with Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee took note of the Government's report which contains information in reply to each of the questions set out in its direct request of 1989 and repeated in 1992. It notes, however, that the report received in 1992 is a copy of the one for the period ending in June 1990. The Committee trusts that the Government's next report will be submitted in the prescribed time-limit, that it will cover the period specified and that it will contain additional information on the following points.

1. The Committee notes that the Government recognizes the importance of collecting and analysing statistical data on the volume and distribution of the workforce, the nature and extent of unemployment and underemployment and trends in these areas. It indicates that the Manpower Service is responsible for compiling statistics on employment and conducting surveys with a view to gaining greater knowledge of the employment market and the mechanisms of job supply and demand. The Committee observes however that the report contains no figures showing trends in employment, underemployment and unemployment and their relationship, in particular, to the implementation of the structural adjustment programme. It would be grateful if the Government would provide all available statistics with its next report and, if any, the results of surveys carried out in the context of international technical cooperation projects.

2. The Government indicates that the national agreement for the promotion of employment concluded in 1987 by the Government and the employers has not produced the results anticipated. However, it does not give full particulars of the objectives of the various programmes. Please describe in as much detail as possible the results obtained as concerns young people who have obtained lasting employment upon completion of the courses. The Committee notes that the Government attributes the employers' limited interest in implementing the national agreement to difficulties in enterprises. It also notes that the operation of the joint committee has been affected by restructuring in the administrations concerned. Please provide information on the measures taken to associate employers and their organizations more closely with programmes to promote the employment of young people.

3. The Committee notes the information concerning the projects financed by the National Employment Fund and the Special Fund, whose objectives include retraining for graduates and the redeployment of workers who have lost their jobs in the public sector. Please provide all available information on the impact of these projects in terms of the number of jobs created and the vocational integration of the persons concerned.

4. The Government also refers to programmes for the promotion of employment in the urban and rural informal sector, which include measures to make credit available for small-scale initiatives and to encourage their organization in economic interest groupings. It also refers to the National Plan of Action for Women. Please provide detailed information on the implementation of each programme, the difficulties encountered and the results obtained.

5. The Committee has been informed of the relevant ILO technical cooperation activities. It notes that the Office is to be the executing agency for a project to assist in the definition and implementation of a national employment policy, in the context of the Vth UNDP programme in Senegal. The Committee notes that the project's objectives include the adoption of a National Employment Programme (1992-95), the establishment of appropriate machinery for implementation and evaluation, the adaptation and coordination of the programmes for vocational integration, reintegration and job creation being implemented under the National Employment Programme. It is confident that the project will enable the Convention to be better applied and asks the Government to indicate to what extent it will have contributed to the formulation and application, in consultation with representatives of the persons affected, of an active employment promotion policy in accordance with Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes that the Government's report contains no reply to its comments. It hopes that the next report will include full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request which read as follows:

1. The Committee takes note of the information provided by the Government in reply to its previous direct request. The main new development during the period covered by the report is the adoption of a national agreement for the promotion of employment concluded by the Government and the employers. In this agreement, action to promote employment is aimed essentially at young people and is set out in four programmes: on-the-job courses, the "senegalisation" of employment, the replacement of workers who have reached the age at which they are entitled to retire, and direct recruitment. The Committee notes with interest the conclusion and content of this agreement whose first preambular paragraph states that the struggle against unemployment is a national priority. The Committee hopes that, in its next report, the Government will indicate the scope of the agreement, the quantitative objectives of each programme and the extent to which they have been or are in the process of being attained. (Question 2 under Article 1 of the Convention in the report form.) Please state, in particular, the number of young people who have obtained lasting employment upon completion of the proposed courses and the number of jobseekers recruited by the enterprises.

2. In its previous direct request, the Committee stressed the importance of collecting and analysing statistical and other data concerning the volume and distribution of the workforce and the nature and extent of unemployment and underemployment and trends in these areas, as a basis for decisions regarding employment policy measures (Article 2). In its report, the Government states that it is examining the possibility of organising a system for collecting and processing employment statistics as part of the restructuring of the manpower service. The Government lists a series of studies and surveys to be used as a basis. It also states that one of its main concerns is to strengthen the means of evaluating the social and economic impact of the structural adjustment programme on the employment market. The Committee takes due note of the Government's efforts and hopes that it will be in a position to communicate in its future reports the information required by the report form (Article 1, question 2, and Part VI of the report form), indicating as far as possible the effects of the structural adjustment programme on employment levels.

3. The Committee notes that the studies on incentives for workers and employers aimed at the promotion of the enterprise, production and employment have now been completed, as have the preliminary reports drawn up in January 1988 by the delegation for insertion, reinsertion and employment. Please indicate the main conclusions or recommendations and any employment policy measures that have been adopted as a result.

4. The Committee notes the references made by the Government in its report, to the National Eployment Fund (FNE), established by Decree No. 87-1404 of 17 November 1987 and the Special Employment Fund (FSE). It would be grateful if, in its next report, the Government would provide additional information on the type of projects adopted, the characteristics of the different beneficiaries, and the nature and number of the productive jobs created under the projects financed by these funds.

5. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the delegation for insertion, reinsertion and employment planned to evaluate the effect of the new provisions of the Investment Code and to ascertain whether its present concerns regarding employment had been taken into account. It also notes with interest the provisions of Decree No. 88-256 of 11 March 1988, setting out the employment and training objectives to be met by enterprises wishing to benefit from any of the schemes provided for in the Investment Code. It requests the Government to continue to supply information on the measures taken to ensure that the criterion of job creation is taken into consideration in decisions concerning investment.

6. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide information on employment programmes for the urban and rural informal sector, mentioned in the Government's report, stating the objectives, the difficulties encountered and the results obtained.

7. Please indicate whether a follow-up is still being carried out in respect of the National Plan of Action for Women to which the Committee has referred in its earlier comments. Please provide information on measures already being implemented or under consideration to satisfy the needs of this category of the active population.

8. The Committee notes that the above-mentioned national agreement for the promotion of employment provides for the establishment of a joint committee made up of representatives of the administration and the employers' organisations parties to the agreement. In future reports, please provide information on the manner in which consultations are carried out, in practice, on employment policy measures, with representatives of the employers and workers and of other sectors of the active population, such as persons working in the rural sector and the urban informal sector (Article 3).

CMNT_TITLE

1. The Committee takes note of the information provided by the Government in reply to its previous direct request. The main new development during the period covered by the report is the adoption of a national agreement for the promotion of employment concluded by the Government and the employers. In this agreement, action to promote employment is aimed essentially at young people and is set out in four programmes: on-the-job courses, the "senegalisation" of employment, the replacement of workers who have reached the age at which they are entitled to retire, and direct recruitment. The Committee notes with interest the conclusion and content of this agreement whose first preambular paragraph states that the struggle against unemployment is a national priority. The Committee hopes that, in its next report, the Government will indicate the scope of the agreement, the quantitative objectives of each programme and the extent to which they have been or are in the process of being attained. (Question 2 under Article 1 of the Convention in the report form.). Please state, in particular, the number of young people who have obtained lasting employment upon completion of the proposed courses and the number of jobseekers recruited by the enterprises.

2. In its previous direct request, the Committee stressed the importance of collecting and analysing statistical and other data concerning the volume and distribution of the workforce and the nature and extent of unemployment and underemployment and trends in these areas, as a basis for decisions regarding employment policy measures (Article 2). In its report, the Government states that it is examining the possibility of organising a system for collecting and processing employment statistics as part of the restructuring fo the manpower service. The Government lists a series of studies and surveys to be used as a basis. It also states that one of its main concerns is to strengthen the means of evaluating the social and economic impact of the structural adjustment programme on the employment market. The Committee takes due note of the Government's efforts and hopes that it will be in a position to communicate in its future reports the information required by the report form (Ar ticle 1, question two, and Part VI of the report form), indicating as far as possible the effects of the structural adjustment programme on employment levels.

3. The Committee notes that the studies on incentives for workers and employers aimed at the promotion of the enterprise, production and employment have now been completed, as have the preliminary reports drawn up on January 1988 by the Delegation for insertion, reinsertion and employment. Please indicate the main conclusions or recommendations and any employment policy measures that have been adopted as a result.

4. The Committee notes the references made by the Government, in its report, to the National Employment Fund (FNE), established by Decree No. 87-1404 of 17 November 1987 and the Special Employment Fund (FSE). It would be grateful if, in its next report, the Government would provide additional information on the type of projects adopted, the characteristics of the different beneficiaries, and the nature and number of the productive jobs created under the projects financed by these funds.

5. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the delegation for insertion, reinsertion and employment planned to evaluate the effect of the new provisions of the Investment Code and to ascertain whether its present concerns regarding employment had been taken into account. It also notes with interest the provisions of Decree No. 88-256 of 11 March 1988, setting out the employment and training objectives to be met by enterprises wishing to benefit from any of the schemes provided for in the Investment Code. It requests the Government to continue to supply information on the measures taken to ensure that the criterion of job creation is taken into consideration in decisions concerning investment.

6. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide information on employment programmes for the urban and rural informal sector, mentioned in the Government's report, stating the objectives, the difficulties encountered and the results obtained.

7. Please indicate whether a follow up is still being carried out in respect of the National Plan of Action for Women to which the Committee has referred in its earlier comments. Please provide information on measures already being implemented or under consideration to satisfy the needs of this category of the active population.

8. The Committee notes that the above-mentioned national agreement for the promotion of employment provides for the establishment of a joint committee made up of representatives of the administration and the employers' organisations parties to the agreement. In future reports, please provide information on the manner in which consultations are carried out, in practice, on employment policy measures, with representatives of the employers and workers and of other sectors of the active population, such as persons working in the rural sector and the urban informal sector (Article 3).