Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

The Committee notes the detailed information contained in the Government's report for the period ending May 1998. According to the Government, GDP grew at 2.5 per cent in 1997 and was projected to grow at 4.5 per cent in 1998. However, investment has been low, and the agricultural sector has suffered a three-year drought. Unemployment was 3.1 per cent in 1996 and 3.4 per cent in 1997. The Committee notes, however, the Government's statement that labour demand has exceeded labour supply, leading to a labour shortage in some areas, and an excess of tertiary level graduates. The main employment promotion scheme targeted at this group is financial support for becoming self-employed. And the Government is addressing the imbalance between supply and demand for labour through promotion and upgrading of skills, and improving labour productivity through training and technology. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the effect of these programmes in achieving the aims of Article 1 of the Convention.

The Government states that it produces an annual labour market analysis to anticipate changes in the labour market and to plan training activities. It has also carried out a more detailed study, entitled Labour Market Prospects of the Industrial Training Authority (ITA), which is not yet completed. The Committee would appreciate receiving a copy when it is available, as requested in the report form under Article 2. The Committee would also appreciate receiving more information on how the measures to be taken in pursuing the objective of full, productive and freely chosen employment are determined and reviewed regularly within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy in accordance with Article 2.

The Committee notes that the list of examples of consultation with the social partners within the framework of the Labour Advisory Board include only narrow topics. The Committee recalls that representatives of the persons affected by the measures to be taken shall be consulted concerning employment policies, including their review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy, as specified in Article 3, in conjunction with Article 2. The Committee requests further information on how this provision is given full effect.

Lastly, the Committee notes that the appendices mentioned in the report were not forwarded to the Office. Hence, a detailed analysis of the application of the Convention was not possible. The Committee requests that statistical data and other information be sent with the report, as requested in Part VI of the report form.