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Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Japan (RATIFICATION: 1986)

1. The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending June 1990, which contains information in reply to its previous direct request. It also notes the comments of the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (JTUC-RENGO) and the Government's reply. The information provided by the Government and contained in OECD reports and surveys show that, together with a sustained growth of economic activity, employment growth continued at a rate of 1.9 per cent in 1989 and 2 per cent in 1990, while the unemployment rate, which was already relatively low (2.5 per cent in 1988), continued to decrease to the level of 2.1 per cent in 1990, which was slightly below the objective of 2.5 per cent set for 1992 by the basic plan for employment measures. The unemployment rate is nevertheless substantially higher than average for young persons (4.4 per cent for the 15-24 age group in 1989) and older workers (4.2 per cent for the 60-64 age group in 1989). The Government states that there are also imbalances on the labour market in certain regions and certain sectors of economic activity and that shortages of labour are to be feared.

2. The Committee notes the information concerning the measures that have been taken within the framework of employment development projects for depressed industries and regions and older persons. It would be grateful if the Government would continue to supply information on the implementation of these measures and if it would transmit any assessments that are available on their impact on employment. The Committee also notes the adoption in June 1990 of an amendment to the Law concerning the stabilisation of employment of older persons and requests the Government to give details in its next report of the measures adopted following the coming into force of the above amendment. With regard to the employment of young persons, the Committee notes the information concerning the strengthened vocational training and guidance measures. Please continue supplying information on the measures taken to coordinate education and training policies with prospective employment opportunities.

3. The Committee notes the information concerning the implementation of the provisions of the Equal Employment Opportunity and Treatment between Men and Women Law (No. 113 of 1972). The Government refers in particular in this context to the establishment of a voluntary system to check the position of women workers, as well as advisory and information activities for employers. The Committee however notes that, according to the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (JTUC-RENGO), the absence of any sanction for the non-observance of the objectives set by the Law limits their effective implementation in practice. The Japanese Trade Union Confederation also expresses concern with regard to part-time jobs, a great majority of which are occupied by women who have not voluntarily chosen that form of employment. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate the measures that have been taken or are envisaged, in accordance with Article 1, paragraph 2(c), of the Convention, to ensure that there is freedom of choice of employment for each worker, irrespective of their sex and whether the job is full or part-time, and to ensure that equal treatment is enforced.

4. The Committee notes that representatives of employers' and workers' organisations participate in the work of advisory councils set up by the Government to examine employment policy measures and that they are consulted concerning draft legislation respecting employment. Please continue to supply information on the activities of these councils and transmit a copy of their reports.