CMNT_TITLE

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Curaçao

Active labour market measures. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in August 2013 which includes information in reply to its 2011 direct request. The Committee also notes that unemployment remained stable at 9.8 per cent in 2011 and 2012. The Government indicates that the investment climate in Curaçao is in need of improvement and that foreign investments have slowed down considerably in recent years. It adds that it has embarked on a few projects to improve and make the economic structure more competitive and stimulate economic development, which includes developing a policy for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurship. Moreover, the Government describes in detail various employment measures that were implemented, such as a project to stimulate young entrepreneurs to start their own businesses by providing them with micro-credit. It also indicates that efforts have been made to increase opportunities for jobseekers by offering apprenticeships and training. The Committee notes that the Government proposed a Bill (the 80/20 Bill) to encourage employers to hire workers that have the required skills and experience, especially young persons. The proposed Bill also aims to realize a better human resources planning and create partnerships with local educational institutes. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information in its next report on the measures taken to ensure an active employment policy as required by Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. It would also welcome updated information on measures adopted to create productive employment opportunities for young persons. Please also provide information on the consultations held with the representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations, including details of their contribution to the design and implementation of an active employment policy (Article 3 of the Convention).