CMNT_TITLE

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Zambia (RATIFICATION: 1979)

1. The Committee refers to its observation. It has noted in particular the continuing efforts made by the Government to compile statistics on the development of employment in each formal sector of the economy. It hopes that the next report will contain all available information as to the extent to which employment objectives in the 1987-88 Interim National Development Plan (INDP) and the aims of the Convention have been met. Please provide a copy of the Fourth National Development Plan when it becomes available.

2. The Committee notes that the INDP (Chapter II) aims to improve management and planning capacity in the public service by making conditions of service competitive and carrying out institutional reforms. It hopes such measures will take account of the role to be played (particularly in the formal sector) by a public employment service which is able to assist in the matching of labour supply and demand in the various occupations and regions and, by studying the labour market and compiling statistics, advise on measures (such as vocational guidance and training) to adjust manpower resources to the needs of the economy. Please include details of developments in this regard in the next report.

3. The Committee has noted the macro-economic policies laid down by the INDP and the extent to which they take account of employment considerations (in particular by giving priority to labour-intensive methods and the development of agriculture, as referred to in the observation). It hopes the next report will include available information on the impact of investment, exchange, trade, prices and incomes, and debt-related measures on employment.

4. Please provide available information (such as numbers of people who undergo training) as to the fulfilment of youth training programmes referred to in the INDP (especially Chapter V); and how far any vocational training is included in school curricula.

5. Please indicate how far the regional investment planned in Chapter VI of the INDP has led to the diversification of activities aimed at in Chapters II and III and employment generation.

6. Please indicate the progress made and the effects on employment as regards the improvements in infrastructure planned in Chapters II and III of the INDP.

7. Please indicate which traditional industries (e.g. mining, manufacturing, tourism) have been promoted as a priority, and which new ones have been created, with the consequent effect on employment.

8. Please indicate how far the self-help approach to agriculture has been successful in increasing production and generating employment.