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Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of a national employment policy. In response to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government indicates that in the three-year period from 2017 to 2019, 4,529,000 jobs were created. Thereafter, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the labour force participation rate was estimated at 74 per cent in 2020, a decrease of 2.8 percentage points compared to 2019. Given the difficulties and challenges caused by the pandemic, the Government adopted legislation and employment measures in order to develop job generation policies for workers, especially those in the disadvantaged groups. Measures and policies to support workers affected by the pandemic contributed to ensuring a quick labour market recovery. The report also refers to the employment measures and programmes implemented during the reporting period, including the Targeted Programme on Sustainable Poverty Reduction for 2021–25, and the Targeted Programme on Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas for 2021-30. In terms of an assessment on employment in the coming years, the Government indicates that the trend of population ageing requires appropriate employment policies for older workers. The Committee notes in this regard from the OECD’s 2023 Economic Survey of Viet Nam that, for the years ahead, a rapidly ageing population will start to weigh on economic growth. With regard to employment policies for older workers, the Committee notes that the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2022–26, signed on 28 March 2023 between the Government, employers’ and workers’ organizations and the ILO, aims under Contribution 1.1.1.6 to improve social partners’ and stakeholders’ ability to develop gender-responsive active labour market policies for job creation and transition of the elderly. It also notes that the DWCP 2022–26 aims, under Outcome 1.1, to strengthen national capacities to formulate and implement evidence-based policies and strategies, and enhance enabling ecosystems for inclusive, transformative and sustainable agriculture, industry and service sectors for decent work. More specifically, Output 1.1.1., under Outcome 1.1, aims to strengthen social partners’ capacity to formulate a new generation of national employment policies addressing country-specific future of work challenges. With respect to the above information, the Committee wishes to stress that employment policies can indeed play a significant role in addressing population ageing by promoting the labour force participation of older workers. By encouraging older workers to remain in the workforce or re-enter the workforce, employment policies can help to alleviate labour shortages, address skills gaps, and promote economic growth. The Committee would therefore be grateful if the Government would share information concerning how it intends to address population ageing through employment policy, indicating in particular whether measures envisaged include any of the following good practices: (i) removing or reducing disincentives to work, including through lifting pension accrual limits or eliminating rigid retirement rules; (ii) promoting flexible work arrangements for older workers, such as part-time work, telecommuting, or flexible hours; (iii) developing lifelong learning and skills development for older workers in order to update their skills or acquire new skills to remain competitive in the labour market; (iv) providing targeted support for older workers facing specific barriers, such as age discrimination, low levels of education, or health limitations and promoting age diversity and inclusive workplaces through diversity training, awareness campaigns, and initiatives to address age-based stereotypes and biases; (v) strengthening partnerships between employers and training providers to identify the specific skills needs of older workers and develop tailored training programmes to address those needs; and (vi) promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment among older workers by providing them with the support and resources they need to start or run their own businesses. The Committee also asks the Government to provide information on how employment policy responds to the challenges and opportunities associated with the future of work in the face of the technological advancements, demographic shifts, and globalization trends transforming the labour market so as to prepare workers for the future of work, ensure their employability and well-being, and promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth. The Committee also reiterates its request that the Government provide information on the procedures for deciding on and reviewing employment measures implemented within the framework of an overall economic and social policy.

Informal economy. The Government indicates that in the 2016–19 period, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, formal employment increased on average by 5.6 per cent per year, and informal employment increased by 3.6 per cent. In 2020, the number of informal economy workers reached 20,300,000, an increase of 119,100 compared to 2019, and workers employed in the formal economy totalled 15,800,000, a decrease of 21,100 compared to 2019. In 2021, the number of workers in both formal and informal employment decreased, with the number of workers in the informal economy at 19,800,000, and the number of workers in formal employment at 15,400,000. The rate of informal economy workers in the first 6 months of 2022 was 55.9 per cent, recording a reduction of 1.3 percentage points compared to the same period in 2021. The Government indicates that, in order to limit the growth rate of informal economy workers and promote the transition of workers from the informal to the formal economy, the National Assembly, government agencies and other stakeholders have developed and implemented a number of regulations and policies. For example, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs is also proposing to review the Employment Law to include additional regulations which will serve as a basis for improving the productivity and working conditions in the informal sector, and contributing to the gradual formalization of informal employment. The Law on Social Insurance is also being studied and may be amended to ensure the synchronization and close connection between the social insurance policy and other social policies, and expand social insurance policies for the informal economy. The Committee notes from the DWCP 2022-26 that one contribution under the Country Priority 3 “Governance for Decent Work” aims to reform labour market institutions to improve labour standards for all workers and formalize the informal economy. The Committee welcomes this information and the recognition that employment policies play a significant role in promoting transitions from the informal to the formal economy by addressing the factors that drive individuals and enterprises to operate informally. As such, comparative best practices suggest that when properly designed and implemented, they can play a catalytic role in accelerating the transition from the informal to the formal economy, leading to more inclusive, productive, and resilient labour markets by creating an enabling environment that encourages formalization, while also providing targeted support to facilitate the transition process. The Committee would be interested to receive further information on specific measures taken to tackle the multiple challenges proper to the work in the informal economy, indicating in particular whether the measures taken or envisaged have included some of the following: (i) reducing administrative burden and red-tape; (ii) strengthening and extending social protection as a means to enrol enterprises and their workers; (iii) promoting access to finance and business development services, including access to credit and training, as these are often lacking for informal enterprises; (iv) enhancing labour market placement and intermediation and skills development services; (v) raising awareness and promoting formalization; (vi) tailoring policies to specific sectors and occupations as the informal economy is not monolithic, and informalization patterns vary across sectors and occupations; (vii) promoting dialogue and collaboration among all relevant stakeholders for effective policy formulation and implementation; and (viii) monitoring and evaluating policy impacts as this is crucial to assess policy effectiveness in promoting transitions from informality to formality.The Committee also requests the Government to continue to provide detailed up-to-date information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex and age, on the rates of informality in the country. Referring to its comments on the Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88), the Committee wishes to draw the Government’s attention to the possibility to mobilize the potential of ILO tools created to showcase approaches, tools and good country practices that can support policymakers develop and implement more effective employment policies compliant with ILO standards in this subject area and refers to the Transition from the Informal to the Formal Economy Recommendation, 2015 (No. 204). The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken to facilitate the transition of workers, including ethnic minorities and other disadvantaged groups, from the informal to the formal economy.

Collection and use of labour market information. The Committee notes the detailed statistical information provided by the Government on labour market trends during the 2019–22 period, including employment, unemployment and underemployment data, in both urban and rural areas. The Government indicates that, in 2020, the number of employed workers aged 15 years and over totalled 53.4 million, a decrease of 1.3 million workers compared to 2019. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of underemployed working-age workers was approximately 1.2 million in 2020, an increase of 277,800 people compared to 2019. The underemployment rate increased from 1.50 per cent in 2019, to 2.51 per cent in 2020, and to 3.1 per cent in 2021. The Government further indicates that, in the pre-COVID-19 period, the overall unemployment rate had always remained below 3 per cent from 2012 to 2019, while unemployment reached 3.22 per cent in 2021 (4.42 per cent in urban areas). The Government indicates that Viet Nam’s labour market is recovering quickly, with the unemployment rate decreasing to 2.39 per cent in the first six months of 2022. The Committee observes that employment policy and solid labour market information systems (LMIS) have a strong and mutually reinforcing relationship – employment policy aims to promote full, productive, and freely chosen employment, while LMIS provides the data and analysis needed to develop and implement effective employment policies. Labour market information systems are essential in monitoring the impact of employment policies, providing data to evaluate the effectiveness of different interventions. They also provide insights into the current and projected labour market trends, including employment, unemployment, and wage levels, but also to identify skills gaps and mismatches, to inform policy decisions on education, training, and apprenticeships. The Committee therefore requests the Government to continue to provide updated labour market information on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and visible underemployment, disaggregated by age, sex and region.

Rural employment. In response to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government indicates that, as a result of the implementation of the project Vocational Training for Rural Workers by 2020, nearly 10 million rural workers were provided with vocational training during the 2010-20 period, reaching 96 per cent of the project’s target. As a result of the vocational training, 84.1 per cent of workers found a new job or remained in their current job but with increases in labour productivity and earnings. The Committee notes that 1,540,000 people were trained in 2021 in elementary and continuing training programmes, with approximately 800,000 rural workers having received vocational training. With respect to the implementation and results of the Targeted Programme on Vocational Education–Employment and Occupational Safety for the period of 2016–20, the Government indicates that positive results have been achieved, with vocational education enrolment in the period reaching 11,077,000 students (an increase of more than 21 per cent compared to the results of the 2011–15 period). The Committee notes this information with interest and requests the Government to continue to provide updated information on the impact of vocational training projects for rural workers, including statistical data on the number of trainings and beneficiaries disaggregated by age and sex. It also requests the Government to provide information on the consultations held with the representatives of rural workers in the development and implementation of employment and vocational training measures.

Groups vulnerable to decent work deficits. The Government indicates that the labour force participation rate of women was 68.7 per cent in 2020 (64.8 per cent in urban areas and 79.7 per cent in rural areas), 10.9 percentage points lower than that of men with 79.6 per cent. In 2021, the number of women workers was 23.5 million, accounting for 46.5 per cent of the labour force. The youth unemployment rate in 2020 was estimated at 7.1 per cent (10.63 per cent in urban areas and 5.45 per cent in rural areas), increasing to 8.48 per cent in 2021. Regarding the implementation and results of the Targeted Programme on Vocational Education–Employment and Occupational Safety for the period of 2016–20, the Government indicates that positive results were achieved, including career guidance and counselling services provided to 148,892 people, including 121,576 young people, 23,290 migrant workers, 1,665 persons from ethnic minority backgrounds; 1,352 rural women, and 1,009 persons with disabilities. The Committees notes that the job creation goals in the National Targeted Programme on Sustainable Poverty Reduction in the 2021-25 period include that 100,000 workers from poor households or near-poor obtain successful job placements. From 2017 to 2019, job creation loans from the National Employment Fund resulted in creating, maintaining and expanding jobs for 438,431 workers, including 288,198 women workers, 22,532 people with disabilities, and 27,944 people from ethnic minority backgrounds. Moreover, due to the job creation support policies, women and disadvantaged workers have been able to access preferential loans for developing their production and business, creating jobs for themselves and community members (rural workers accounting for 90 per cent, women workers accounting for 55 per cent, ethnic minority workers accounting for 10 per cent, workers with disabilities accounting for 5 per cent, young workers accounting for 60 per cent). The Government indicates that the National Strategy on Gender Equality for the 2021–30 period aims at further narrowing the gender gap, creating conditions and opportunities for women and men to participate and enjoy equal benefits in all areas of social life, contributing to the country’s sustainable development. Some targets of the Strategy include increasing the proportion of waged women workers to 50 per cent by 2025 and about 60 per cent by 2030. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the content and impact of programmes, policies and strategies, including the National Targeted Programme on Sustainable Poverty Reduction in the 2021-25 period and the National Strategy on Gender Equality for the 2021-30 period, aimed at promoting employment and the creation of decent jobs for specific groups of workers, including women, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities and young persons.

Education and training. In response to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government refers in its report to the Law on Vocational Education which ensures equal rights to vocational education, regardless of gender. The Government adds that a number of measures have been taken to ensure women’s equal access to career guidance and training in relation to different economic sectors, including training support policies to encourage vocational training and diversify training types. Training support policies target persons eligible under preferential policies, including ethnic minorities, poor and near-poor households, persons with disabilities, and other social policy beneficiaries in order to create opportunities for them to attend vocational training. The Government also refers to the participation of the social partners in vocational training. For example, during the 2016–20 period, the Viet Nam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) has actively participated in vocational education activities through a system of vocational education institutions and schools, showing an estimated enrolment result of 346,042 people in that five-year period (an increase of 48 per cent when compared to the 2011–15 period). Since 2019, the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) has also conducted vocational education and training activities. The Government adds that many enterprises have established their own vocational training institutions to train workers for themselves or more generally. In 2016, there were 291 vocational training institutions belonging to enterprises, out of a total of 1,467 vocational institutions. The Committee takes due note of the above information and requests the Government to continue to provide detailed information on the implementation and results of education and training measures undertaken, and in particular their impact on employment of women and young people. It also requests the Government to continue to provide updated information on the involvement of the social partners in the design and delivery of education and training programmes in the manner which responds to the needs of the labour market.

Employment services. The Committee refers to its comments under Convention No. 88.

Article 3. Consultation with the social partners. In response to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government indicates that the Employment Law Drafting Committee was responsible for organizing the drafting of the Law on Employment. Following the Law on Employment’s adoption by the National Assembly in November 2013, which came into effect in January 2015, the Employment Law Drafting Committee was dissolved. The Committee notes from the report that the Government is developing a proposal to review the Employment Law, which was expected to be submitted to the National Assembly in May 2023 for inclusion in the Law and Ordinance Development Programme. A new Drafting Committee and Editorial Team, with members from relevant ministries and agencies, the Viet Nam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) and Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), will therefore be established. With respect to tripartite consultations more generally, the Government indicates that the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs regularly consults with the social partners in the process of formulating, adopting and implementing employment policies, such as the Targeted Programme on Vocational Education, Employment and Occupational Safety for the period 2016–20, the Targeted Programme on Sustainable Poverty Reduction for 2021-25, and the Targeted Programme on Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas for 2021–30. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on consultations held with the social partners with respect to the formulation, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes. It also reiterates its previous request that the Government provide information on the consultations held with the representatives of rural workers and workers in the informal economy.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of a national employment policy. The Committee notes that, according to the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Government, workers’ and employers’ organizations and the ILO on 5 December 2017, the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2017–21 is currently being implemented in Viet Nam. The DWCP seeks to promote decent employment and an enabling environment for sustainable entrepreneurship opportunities; reducing poverty by extending social protection to all, reducing unacceptable forms of work, especially for those in vulnerable situations; and building effective labour market governance. The DWCP also contemplates promoting formalization of the informal economy, maintaining and expanding opportunities for freely chosen and productive employment for women and men through migration and better preparedness for jobs, and sustainable entrepreneurship in value chains. The Committee further notes the information provided by the Government concerning the impact of the National Employment Programme 2012–15. The Government reports that measures have been taken by the provinces with a view to improving the implementation of labour market support activities, including improved coordination with socio-economic development programs, the establishment of new infrastructures, and labour market surveys. Moreover, the Government reports that the project on job creation loans has contributed to poverty reduction, the development of business environments, and the creation of job opportunities for groups vulnerable to decent work deficits, such as persons with disabilities and ethnic minorities. The Government also refers to the implementation of activities aimed at job creation within the scope of the project on “Development of employment and labour market” under the Targeted Program on Vocational Education, Employment and Occupational Safety for the period 2016–20. The Committee notes that the Government organizes regular sessions focused on providing employment advice via the public employment service centres where, on average, out of 400–500 employees per session, 80–90 per cent are young workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed up-to-date information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex and age, on the nature and impact of active labour market measures implemented to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment, including those implemented in the framework of the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2017–21. The Committee reiterates its request that the Government provide information on the procedures for deciding on and reviewing employment measures implemented within the framework of an overall economic and social policy.

Collection and use of labour market information. The Committee notes the detailed statistical information provided by the Government on labour market trends during the period 2008–17. The Government indicates that from 2016 to 2017 there was a 0.18 per cent increase in the number of employed workers. It adds that in 2017 male workers accounted for 51.82 per cent of the workforce, whereas female workers accounted for 48.18 per cent. Young persons made up 24.16 per cent over the work force, while the percentage of middle-aged and elderly workers was estimated at 67.07 per cent and 8.76 per cent respectively. The Government reports that in 2017 the number of unemployed people reached 1.081 million, with young people aged 15–24 making up more than half of this number. In this context, the Committee notes the decrease in Viet Nam’s unemployment rate in 2017 compared to 2016. The national unemployment rate in 2017 was 2.26 per cent, while the unemployment rates in urban and rural areas were estimated at 3.19 per cent and 1.79 per cent respectively. The Government also refers to improvements in the labour market information system, which forms the foundation for informed development of labour market policies. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated labour market information on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and visible underemployment, disaggregated by age, sex and region.

Informal economy. The Committee notes that, according to the DWCP 2017–21 report, informal workers in Viet Nam typically face low incomes, limited opportunities for skills development, and unsafe working conditions, often working without an employment contract and without social protection. Their precarious working conditions make such workers vulnerable to external shocks, particularly in the face of increased international competition. With respect to the informal economy, the number of workers in 2016 increased by 4.23 per cent compared to 2015, in line with overall trends in annual growth during the period 2014–16. According to the ILO 2016 report on informal employment in Viet Nam, informal economy workers, including agricultural, forestry and fisheries workers, made up 78.6 per cent of the total labour force. The Committee notes that there were more men (56.4 per cent) than women in informal employment. The Committee further notes that, according to the ILO country brief on Viet Nam, informal employment affected four out of five (79.5 per cent) young workers in Viet Nam in 2015. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed up-to-date information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex and age, on rates of informality in the country, and to provide detailed information on the measures taken to facilitate the transition of workers, including ethnic minorities and other disadvantaged groups, from the informal to the formal economy.

Rural employment. In response to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government reports on the implementation of a number of measures aimed at promoting rural employment, such as the issuance of a credit package of 100,000 billion Vietnamese dongs (VND) intended to support production, develop industries and create jobs for rural workers. It also refers to measures on the accumulation of land, aimed at attracting more workers. The Committee notes that the program contributed to the creation of jobs for over 114,000 workers, of which 90 per cent were workers in rural areas. The Government also indicates high unemployment rates among young people in the 15–24 age group residing in rural areas. In the context of the project Vocational Training for Rural Workers by 2020, the Committee notes the amendments to Decision No. 1956/QD-TTg, introduced by the Government to improve the effectiveness of the project in line with the needs of rural workers, by combining vocational training with strategies and plans for socio-economic development. The Committee further notes the Government’s efforts to improve access to training, as well as to enhance their quality and efficiency. With regard to project implementation at the provincial level, the Government reports on the implementation of different models, such as a model tailored towards workers in specialized areas, workers in craft villages, or short-term vocational training for farmers living in local communities. The Committee notes that, in the context of the program, 7.2 million rural workers received vocational training, 3.98 million received support for vocational trainings, and 40.7 per cent of beneficiaries of the program continued to work in the agricultural sector. As a result of the program, more than 80 per cent of rural workers either acquired new jobs or remained in the same employment, but now benefit from higher income and productivity. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated information on the impact of the project Vocational Training for Rural Workers by 2020. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the implementation and results of the Targeted Program on Vocational Education–Employment and Occupational Safety for the period of 2016–2020, including statistical data on the number of trainings and beneficiaries disaggregated by age and sex. Further, it requests the Government to report on specific measures undertaken within the framework of the amendment of Decision No. 1956/QD TTg and their impact on employment in rural areas.

Groups vulnerable to decent work deficits. In response to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government reports on the implementation of synchronized measures designed to promote job creation, with special emphasis on workers with disabilities, ethnic minorities and young workers. The Government reports that it is updating labour supply databases with data on these groups to inform the development of new policies aimed at job creation. In this context, the Government adopted measures to promote the employment of persons with disabilities and young persons, including the granting of loans, prioritisation of capital lending and providing support to young people creating start-ups. The Government indicates that out of 114,000 workers who benefited from preferential loans for job creation in 2017, 50 per cent were young workers, 6,112 were ethnic minorities, and 2,540 were persons with disabilities. In this context, the Government lists consultations, support for young entrepreneurs as well as vocational training intended for those who have completed military service, police duties or volunteered to perform socio-economic development projects. With respect to the employment of women, the Committee notes the 2015 observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW/C/VNM/CO/7-8), in which it expressed concern regarding the persistence of occupational segregation of women in the public and private sectors and their lack of access to higher-paid jobs. The Government reports that during the period 2006–16, women’s participation in the labour force has been consistently lower than that of men. In addition, women are underemployed in certain sectors of the labour market. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated detailed information on the content and impact of policies aimed at promoting employment and the creation of decent jobs for specific groups of workers, including increased focus on women, as well as continuing focus on workers with disabilities, ethnic minorities and young persons.

Education and training. In response to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government reports on the creation of the Targeted Programme on Vocational Education, Employment and Occupational Safety for the period of 2016–20, which seeks to respond to the needs of the labour market by improving the quality of vocational education and training. It indicates that the social partners are consulted on the development of education and training programmes through workshops, expert meetings and written requests for feedback. The Government refers to changes in the public approach to vocational training, which is now considered as an effective means for accessing stable employment with higher income as well as for acquiring the knowledge and skills crucial to securing employment. The Government indicates, however, that short–term vocational training for young people in rural areas has not created a difference in employment and income for participants, compared to those who have not benefited from vocational training. The Committee also notes that, according to the DWCP 2017-2021, 59.4 per cent of adult women have reached at least a secondary level of education compared to 71.2 per cent of men. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on measures taken to ensure equal access of women to vocational guidance and education relevant to all economic sectors and all levels of responsibility, and the impact of such measures on women’s ability to engage in the broadest possible range of economic activities, including in non-traditional occupations and higher-paid jobs. The Committee reiterates its request that the Government provide detailed information on the implementation and results of the specific measures undertaken within the scope of the Vocational Training Strategy for the period 2011–2020, in particular their impact on employment creation for young people in rural areas. It also requests the Government to provide updated information on the implementation of measures developed under the Targeted Program on Vocational Education, Employment and Occupational Safety and Health for the 2016-2020 period and their impact on access to full and productive employment.

Employment services. In response to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government reports that the activities of the employment service centres (VTC) are regulated by article 38 of the Employment Law and Decree No. 196/2013/ND-CP stipulating the establishment and operation of the VTCs, adding that these have been strengthened via the allocation of additional resources. The Committee notes that the VTC’s tasks include job counselling for workers, acting as intermediaries between workers and employers with regard to recruitment issues, collecting and analysing information on the labour market, implementing employment programmes, and providing vocational and skills training. The Government reports that in 2017, 953,545 workers obtained lasting employment as a result of their visit to one of the employment service centres. The Government adds that the centres have provided job consultancy services for an estimated 8.17 million workers. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed information on the implementation of tasks of the employment service centres and to provide information on their impact in relation to access to lasting employment, especially with regard to young people, people with disabilities and ethnic minorities. It further requests the Government to provide statistical data, disaggregated by age and sex, on the number of beneficiaries in relation to obtaining access to lasting employment. The Committee also requests the Government to provide detailed information on the frequency and the extent of the involvement of the social partners in the design and delivery of education and training programmes in the manner which responds to the needs of the labour market.

Article 3. Consultation with the social partners. In response to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government reports on several activities undertaken by the tripartite Employment Policy Drafting Board (EPDB) aimed at the development of employment policies and programmes. The activities of the EPDB also include organization of seminars on topics related to employment policies and the implementation of labour law. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation and results of the specific activities undertaken by the Employment Policy Drafting Board with regard to the development, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes. The Committee also reiterates its previous request that the Government provide information on the consultations held with the representatives of rural workers and workers in the informal economy.

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2015.

Repetition

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of a national employment policy. The Committee notes that the Government indicates in its first report on the application of the Convention that the National Employment Programme for the period 2012–15 aims at supporting vocational training and strengthening the labour market to meet the requirements of national development and international economic integration, with a focus on rural areas. The Government further indicates that the Five-Year Plan for Socio-Economic Development for 2011–15 has employment-oriented targets, including creating 8 million people jobs, maintaining the unemployment rate in urban areas below 4 per cent and increasing the rate of skilled labour forces up to 55 per cent. In its second report on the application of the Convention, the Government indicates that 7,801,000 persons have obtained employment since the adoption of the Five-Year Plan. The Committee notes from the report that, between 2011 and 2014, the National Employment Fund contributed to the creation of 467,000 jobs in the handicraft industry, agriculture and fishery sectors. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the impact of the employment measures taken under the National Employment Programme for the period 2012–15 and of the Five-Year Plan for Socio-Economic Development for 2011–15. It also requests the Government to include information on the procedures for deciding on and reviewing employment measures implemented within the framework of an overall economic and social policy.

Productive employment. The Government indicates that: (i) policies to promote full and productive employment are enshrined in the National Constitution of 2013 and national legislation, including the Labour Code of 2012; (ii) such policies are implemented through various employment promotion measures and activities; and (iii) the rural economy, household enterprises and the informal economy are estimated to account for 71.5 per cent of total employment and are in the highest need for improvement in terms of employment productivity. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the measures aimed at promoting productive employment, particularly in rural areas and the informal economy.

Rural employment. The Government indicates that the project entitled Vocational Training for Rural Workers to 2020 is being implemented to promote employment opportunities of rural workers; and that, in 2013, the proportion of workers in the agricultural sector to the total number of employees accounted for 47.1 per cent, notwithstanding the fact that it tends to decrease, due to the transfer of the labour force from the agricultural sector to the industrial sector. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to promote rural employment, including information on the impact of the project Vocational Training for Rural Workers to 2020.

Specific groups of workers. The Committee notes that a scheme was implemented to help persons with disabilities for the period of 2012–20, a project entitled Support for Women in Vocational Training and Job Creation for the period of 2010–15, and the vocational training policy for boarding ethnic minority students. It also notes that policies have been carried out to support apprenticeships, job creation and skill enhancement for young people, including granting loans from the National Fund of Employment to create jobs or provide financial support to young people who own their own farms, private businesses or are the breadwinners of their households. In addition, the Government promotes the participation of young persons in building key national projects. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information, including relevant employment data, on the implementation and impact of the measures taken to promote the employment of persons with disabilities, women, ethnic minorities, and young people.

Collection and use of labour market information. The Government indicates that the collection of labour market information is handled by the Employment Department in the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs through its own investigation and annually updated statistical data, which is systematically carried out from communal or ward levels, provincial or district levels. It adds that the National Employment Service Centre, at the central level, is responsible for gathering and analysing statistics, performing research and providing information to the public. The Government further indicates that the decrease in the unemployment rate ended up as stagnant from 2 per cent in 2011 to 1.9 per cent in 2013 and meanwhile the underemployment rate has been reduced from 2.7 per cent in 2011 to 2.4 per cent in 2013. In the second quarter of 2015, the national unemployment rate remained at 2.4 per cent and the unemployment rate of persons in the 15–24 age group reached 6.7 per cent. Between 2011 and 2014, close to 361,000 workers left the country after concluding employment contracts with overseas employers. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated labour market information on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, disaggregated by age, sex and region.

Education and training. The Committee notes that the Vocational Training Strategy for the period 2011–20 is being implemented so as to enhance the quality of vocational training. The Government indicates in its second report that nearly 80 per cent of young workers have not received vocational training before entering into the labour market. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the Vocational Training Strategy for the period 2011–20 in terms of employment creation, as well as on the policies and programmes on vocational training for young people. It also requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the social partners and other stakeholders concerned are consulted with respect to the development of education and training programmes that meet the needs of the labour market.

Employment services. The Committee notes that policies have been introduced for establishing and operating employment promotion centres along with regulating the conditions and licensing procedures for private employment agencies. It also notes the measures taken to strengthen the capacity of the network of employment promotion centres. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the activities carried out by the employment promotion centres, including the number of beneficiaries of employment services obtaining lasting employment.

Article 3. Consultation with the social partners. The Committee notes that since 2008 a number of tripartite consultations have been held to identify priorities and formulate the Viet Nam Employment Strategy 2011–20. These consultations involved representatives of the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, other ministries, the National Assembly, workers’ and employers’ organizations and key academics and researchers. Consultations were also held to mainstream employment issues within the Five-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2011–15 and the Ten-Year Socio-Economic Development Strategy for 2011–20. The Government indicates that the Employment Policy Drafting Committee envisages the formulation of employment policies following consultations with different actors of society, including representatives of workers and employers and other interested parties. In its observations, the Viet Nam General Confederation of Labour recognizes the Government’s efforts to hold consultations on employment policies, adding that both employers and workers have participated directly in policy formulation from the outset. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the activities of the Employment Policy Drafting Committee with respect to the development, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes. Please also provide information on the consultations held with the representatives of rural workers and workers in the informal economy.

The Committee notes the observations of the Viet Nam General Confederation of Labour and the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry received on 14 October 2015.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of a national employment policy. The Committee notes that the Government indicates in its first report on the application of the Convention that the National Employment Programme for the period 2012–15 aims at supporting vocational training and strengthening the labour market to meet the requirements of national development and international economic integration, with a focus on rural areas. The Government further indicates that the Five-Year Plan for Socio-Economic Development for 2011–15 has employment-oriented targets, including creating 8 million people jobs, maintaining the unemployment rate in urban areas below 4 per cent and increasing the rate of skilled labour forces up to 55 per cent. In its second report on the application of the Convention, the Government indicates that 7,801,000 persons have obtained employment since the adoption of the Five-Year Plan. The Committee notes from the report that, between 2011 and 2014, the National Employment Fund contributed to the creation of 467,000 jobs in the handicraft industry, agriculture and fishery sectors. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the impact of the employment measures taken under the National Employment Programme for the period 2012–15 and of the Five-Year Plan for Socio-Economic Development for 2011–15. It also requests the Government to include information on the procedures for deciding on and reviewing employment measures implemented within the framework of an overall economic and social policy.

Productive employment. The Government indicates that: (i) policies to promote full and productive employment are enshrined in the National Constitution of 2013 and national legislation, including the Labour Code of 2012; (ii) such policies are implemented through various employment promotion measures and activities; and (iii) the rural economy, household enterprises and the informal economy are estimated to account for 71.5 per cent of total employment and are in the highest need for improvement in terms of employment productivity. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the measures aimed at promoting productive employment, particularly in rural areas and the informal economy.

Rural employment. The Government indicates that the project entitled Vocational Training for Rural Workers to 2020 is being implemented to promote employment opportunities of rural workers; and that, in 2013, the proportion of workers in the agricultural sector to the total number of employees accounted for 47.1 per cent, notwithstanding the fact that it tends to decrease, due to the transfer of the labour force from the agricultural sector to the industrial sector. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to promote rural employment, including information on the impact of the project Vocational Training for Rural Workers to 2020.

Specific groups of workers. The Committee notes that a scheme was implemented to help persons with disabilities for the period of 2012–20, a project entitled Support for Women in Vocational Training and Job Creation for the period of 2010–15, and the vocational training policy for boarding ethnic minority students. It also notes that policies have been carried out to support apprenticeships, job creation and skill enhancement for young people, including granting loans from the National Fund of Employment to create jobs or provide financial support to young people who own their own farms, private businesses or are the breadwinners of their households. In addition, the Government promotes the participation of young persons in building key national projects. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information, including relevant employment data, on the implementation and impact of the measures taken to promote the employment of persons with disabilities, women, ethnic minorities, and young people.

Collection and use of labour market information. The Government indicates that the collection of labour market information is handled by the Employment Department in the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs through its own investigation and annually updated statistical data, which is systematically carried out from communal or ward levels, provincial or district levels. It adds that the National Employment Service Centre, at the central level, is responsible for gathering and analysing statistics, performing research and providing information to the public. The Government further indicates that the decrease in the unemployment rate ended up as stagnant from 2 per cent in 2011 to 1.9 per cent in 2013 and meanwhile the underemployment rate has been reduced from 2.7 per cent in 2011 to 2.4 per cent in 2013. In the second quarter of 2015, the national unemployment rate remained at 2.4 per cent and the unemployment rate of persons in the 15–24 age group reached 6.7 per cent. Between 2011 and 2014, close to 361,000 workers left the country after concluding employment contracts with overseas employers. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated labour market information on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, disaggregated by age, sex and region.

Education and training. The Committee notes that the Vocational Training Strategy for the period 2011–20 is being implemented so as to enhance the quality of vocational training. The Government indicates in its second report that nearly 80 per cent of young workers have not received vocational training before entering into the labour market. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the Vocational Training Strategy for the period 2011–20 in terms of employment creation, as well as on the policies and programmes on vocational training for young people. It also requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the social partners and other stakeholders concerned are consulted with respect to the development of education and training programmes that meet the needs of the labour market.

Employment services. The Committee notes that policies have been introduced for establishing and operating employment promotion centres along with regulating the conditions and licensing procedures for private employment agencies. It also notes the measures taken to strengthen the capacity of the network of employment promotion centres. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the activities carried out by the employment promotion centres, including the number of beneficiaries of employment services obtaining lasting employment.

Article 3. Consultation with the social partners. The Committee notes that since 2008 a number of tripartite consultations have been held to identify priorities and formulate the Viet Nam Employment Strategy 2011–20. These consultations involved representatives of the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, other ministries, the National Assembly, workers’ and employers’ organizations and key academics and researchers. Consultations were also held to mainstream employment issues within the Five-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2011–15 and the Ten-Year Socio-Economic Development Strategy for 2011–20. The Government indicates that the Employment Policy Drafting Committee envisages the formulation of employment policies following consultations with different actors of society, including representatives of workers and employers and other interested parties. In its observations, the Viet Nam General Confederation of Labour recognizes the Government’s efforts to hold consultations on employment policies, adding that both employers and workers have participated directly in policy formulation from the outset. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the activities of the Employment Policy Drafting Committee with respect to the development, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes. Please also provide information on the consultations held with the representatives of rural workers and workers in the informal economy.

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Viet Nam (Ratification: 2012)

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