Observation (CEACR) - adoptée 1997, publiée 86ème session CIT (1998)

1. The Committee took note of the Government's report for the period ending June 1996. It notes that, according to the data published by the OECD, total employment increased more rapidly than the active population which itself advanced quickly during the period. The Committee notes that the decrease in the unemployment rate, from 7.6 per cent in 1994 to 6.7 per cent in 1996, took place in the context of a reduction in the different forms of "non-employment" which were noted in its previous observation. The Committee observes, however, that the persistent nature of certain characteristics hinder the progress of the Dutch labour market towards full employment. In particular, it notes that, according to the OECD, the number of persons without employment and receiving invalidity benefit or who have taken early retirement, appears to represent, in terms equivalent to full-time employment, more than 10 per cent of the potential active population. In addition, the growth in employment must be largely attributed to the increase in part-time employment which represents almost two-thirds of women's employment. It is not clear to what extent such a form of employment has been freely chosen by the women concerned. Finally, long-term unemployment, which above all affects the least skilled people, continues to represent almost half of total unemployment.

2. The Government explains that its employment policy is based on the structural reinforcement of the economy, the reduction of the tax burden and social contributions, wage restraint, the redistribution of work and the increased flexibility of regulations. It describes the measures implemented in order to reduce non-wage labour costs, in particular to promote the hiring of low-paid workers and the long-term unemployed. The Government also indicates that, in order to meet social needs which have not been satisfied, jobs designed for the long-term unemployed are created in the public sector. Measures to "activate" unemployment benefits, which allow the temporary conversion of such benefits into subsidies for the creation of new jobs, are the subject of current experiments. In addition, the new Working Hours Act encourages flexibility, so as to enable workers to combine more easily the performance of paid work with other responsibilities. In the civil service, the redistribution of work is encouraged by a reduction in working hours, the availability of part-time work and the replacement of workers on parental leave by disadvantaged persons on the labour market, such as women, immigrants, disabled persons or the long-term unemployed.

3. The Committee notes with interest this series of measures, some of which are innovative. It notes, however, that while promoting a return to work, these measures also help to encourage the growth of part-time employment which is already of considerable importance. The Committee invites the Government to specify the manner in which it envisages the implementation of such measures in relation to the objectives of the Convention and, in particular, to achieving an increase in living standards. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would describe the measures taken to ensure that part-time workers enjoy the same rights and have the same career prospects as full-time workers. In this regard, the Government may find it useful to refer to the provisions of the Part-Time Work Convention (No. 175) and the Part-Time Work Recommendation (No. 182), 1994. Finally, the Committee hopes that the Government will soon be able to report a significant reduction in long-term unemployment.

4. With reference to the requests it has been making in this regard for many years, the Committee hopes that the Government's next report will contain full particulars of the way in which the main trends in economic policy, in particular in the areas of monetary and budgetary policy, help to promote employment. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would also provide more detailed information on the consultations held concerning employment policies, in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention.