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

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Article 1 of the Convention. Active labour market measures. The Government indicates that in recent years there has been a paradox in the labour market, as a large number of Greenlanders are unemployed, while at the same time enterprises are experiencing difficulties finding and recruiting skilled labour. The Government adds that young persons make up the majority of those who are unemployed, pointing out that as of 2018, there were many young persons between the ages of 16 and 25 who were neither in education nor employment (NEETs). The Government points out that far too many young persons do not start an education and therefore never become active participants in the labour market, whereas the country needs to ensure that young Greenlanders become part of the work force and develop the right skills for the future labour market. To address the challenge of youth unemployment, the Government reports that young persons are included as a target group in all labour market policy initiatives, to improve employment opportunities for this specific group. The Committee notes with interest that, in 2020, the Government adopted an "Innovation Potential Competence" employment strategy for 2021-2023, which contains a number of initiatives and reforms. Part of these initiatives constitute an extension of the 2015 employment strategy “A safe labour market”, while providing for new labour market initiatives and reforms to be taken to address the country’s major social challenge: unemployment, a problem affecting both unskilled persons as well as the skilled and educated. The 2021-2023 employment strategy is based on four central priorities for action: the development of specific business sectors able to create economic growth and jobs; the achievement of a significant reduction in youth unemployment; the development and implementation of regional employment initiatives aimed at ensuring increased employment throughout the country; and ensuring improved job matching between companies and workers. In addition, noting the Government’s indication that the number of apprentices has been declining in the country, the Committee welcomes the adoption of the Apprenticeship Act on 27 November, which entered into force on 1 January 2021, to provide young persons with employment opportunities and skills acquisition. The Act requires all companies and public authorities with at least one skilled employee to offer apprenticeships and traineeships in collaboration with trade schools. The Government adds that the national labour market continues to evolve. While the country’s most important source of jobs and income remains the fishing sector, the Government is working to develop a more diversified economy, to protect the country from global economic shifts. The Government adds that it has actively promoted and marketed the national online job portal, leading to an increase in the number of job vacancy notices and resumes being posted on the site. Moreover, rehabilitation wage subsidies are offered to help persons who have been outside of the labour market to access or return to work. In addition, the Government offers benefits to promote mobility, providing work and accommodation to unemployed persons to encourage them to work outside of their own localities. The Government also refers to its Increased Self-Sufficiency project, which was created in 2018 and aims to reform the current public assistance model by replacing labour market benefits with job search benefits. In this respect, the Committee notes that bills developed in relation to job search benefits and the reform of public assistance have been presented for external consultation and subsequent adoption by the Parliament (Inatsisartut). With respect to the existing procedures for deciding on employment policy measures and keeping them under review, the Government informs that the National Labour Market Council holds two to three meetings annually to discuss, among other things, possible political and legislative initiatives. The Council recently decided that efforts should be made to encourage all cities to set up their own local labour market councils, led by the Job, Counselling and Skills Upgrading Centres (Majoriaq), with the objective of creating the best possible cooperation between the Majoriaq and enterprises, in order to ensure the provision of a workforce with the skills needed now and in the future. Lastly, the Government reports that aid packages were developed, funded and made available with the aim of mitigating the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses and workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed updated information, including statistical data disaggregated by age and sex, on the scope and impact of the abovementioned labour market measures on access to sustainable employment and decent work. In particular, the Committee requests the Government to indicate how these measures have contributed to the achievement of the objectives of its 2021-2023 employment strategy, such as the reduction of youth unemployment. The Committee also requests the Government to keep it informed of progress made regarding the adoption of the two bills presented in the framework of the Increased Self-Sufficiency project, and to provide copies of these once they are adopted.

Article 2. Employment trends. Labour market information. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that its labour market statistics are collected from a series of administrative data, and that its knowledge of the market is maintained by using information technology systems such as IT-reg. The Government reports that, in recent years, there has been a marked decrease in the number of unemployed people in Greenland, indicating that the average monthly number of registered jobseekers declined from 3,456 in 2015 to 1,946 in 2020. It also points out that most people who register as jobseekers do so for a limited time. Between 2015 and 2020, 54 per cent of jobseekers registered for a period of approximately one to three months. The Government indicates that the number of employees on average per month went from 26,844 in 2015 to 27,141 in 2019, which constitutes a 1.1 per cent increase. It reports that, in 2019, most private sector jobs were in the fishing and fishing-related industries (16 per cent), wholesale and retail trade (11.4 per cent) and transport and goods handling (7.7 per cent), while public administration and services made up 41.6 per cent of employment. The Government points out that unemployment is lower in cities than in rural areas. Between 2015 and 2019, unemployment decreased from 8.8 per cent to 4.7 per cent in cities, falling from 11.3 per cent to 8.1 per cent in rural settlements. The Government explains that the positive developments in recent years were more pronounced in larger cities, due to the lack of local jobs in smaller towns and settlements. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed updated information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex, age and rural and urban areas, on the size and distribution of the labour force, as well as the level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment. It also requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the information obtained is used for theformulation, implementation, monitoring and review of active labour market measures.

Skills development. The Government reports that its 17 Job, Counselling and Skills Upgrading Centres (Majoriaq) offer a number of courses in collaboration with trade schools, as well as vocational guidance and other services aimed at providing unskilled jobseekers with needed skills and improving their employability. The Government reports that, in 2019, it concluded a partnership with the technical vocational training school NiuernermikIlinniarfik, to develop and implement a new educational programme for the staff employed by the Majoriaq Centres, with a view to ensuring that jobseekers are provided with consistent, good quality services. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that, between 2016 and 2020, 2,668 Greenlanders participated in the Skills Development for Unskilled Unemployed People project (PKU), which provides people in vulnerable professions with skills development courses designed to address unemployment and meet demands for labour within growth professions. The Government indicates that the majority of those persons who participated in the PKU courses are no longer unemployed. The Committee notes that the Government also refers to the entry into force of the Apprenticeship Act in January 2021. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information, including statistical data disaggregated by age and sex, on the nature and content of its vocational training programmes and measures, the number of programme participants, as well as on the impact of these programmes and measures. It further requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the social partners and the persons affected participate in the development and implementation of these initiatives.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Government reports that the social partners are consulted or engaged in all matters related to the labour market, indicating that the latest example of this is their involvement in the elaboration of COVID-19 aid packages during the pandemic. The Committee also welcomes the Government’s indication that it has established an ILO tripartite committee was established with the aim of coordinating and promoting tripartite cooperation with respect to the labour market. The Committee will meet at least once a year, and held its first two meetings in December 2020 and May 2021, respectively. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the nature, frequency and outcome of the consultations held with the social partners with respect to the development, implementation, monitoring and review of employment policy measures and programmes. The Government is also requested to indicate the manner in which representatives of the persons affected by the measures to be taken are consulted and how their experience and views are taken into account, as required under Article 3 of the Convention.

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The Committee notes the observations of the Greenland Business Association, the Association of Fishers and Hunters in Greenland (KNAPK) and the Teacher’s Trade Union of Greenland (IMAK), communicated with the Government’s report.

Article 1 of the Convention. Active labour market measures The Government indicates in its report that the geography and insufficient infrastructure of Greenland poses specific challenges for labour market policy. The Committee notes that Greenland’s economy has recorded growth since 2015, which the Government aims to use, inter alia, as a basis to ensure that more young people complete education leading to a professional qualification so that as many people as possible can obtain permanent employment, as well as to introduce dynamic business development. In response to the Committee’s previous request for information on the impact of mining projects in the generation of productive and lasting employment in Greenland, the Government indicates that many Impact Benefit Agreements (IBAs) were concluded due to the number of well-advanced mining projects. IBAs may be viewed as an obligation for companies to achieve the goals described in their Social Sustainability Assessment and are key instruments in ensuring local jobs in Greenland. The Committee notes with interest that a new secure labour market employment strategy replaced the special initiatives to combat rising unemployment in 2015. The strategy focuses on counselling, funding for skills upgrading, enforcement of legal frameworks and increased employment throughout Greenland through targeted industrial initiatives. These initiatives will be evaluated and a new strategy for 2018–22 will be prepared. Furthermore, the Government indicates that the match-group system, introduced in 2011 to make it easier for municipal case officers to identify the best measures to assist unemployed people, is currently under evaluation. The Committee notes the increased use of mobility allowances to support jobseekers in moving to towns and settlements in need of workers. The Government refers to the national online job portal Suli.gl, launched on 1 January 2016, which aims to ensure the best possible match between unemployed people and job vacancies. Furthermore, the Government indicates that marginalized unemployed people and people on early retirement pensions are to undergo an assessment of their ability to work in order to establish an attachment to the labour market. If the ability to work is assessed to be reduced permanently, the unemployed person will be offered a light job on special conditions (flex-job), as far as possible. Moreover, people over 40 years old whose ability to work is permanently reduced may be offered wage subsidies. The KNAPK indicates that opportunities for receiving pensions and other social security, such as unemployment insurance, do not exist for fishers and hunters, both of which are traditional occupations. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of active employment measures to promote full, productive and sustainable employment opportunities, as laid down in Article 1 of the Convention. It also requests the Government to provide information on how the employment policy objectives are related to other economic and social objectives and what procedures exist for deciding on employment policy measures and keeping them under review within the framework of an overall economic and social policy.

Article 2. Employment trends. Labour market information. The Government indicates that structural monitoring of the labour market in Greenland includes employment and unemployment statistics prepared by Statistics Greenland, which are published once a year. Statistics Greenland publishes a monthly statement of the number of jobseekers aged 18–64 years who have contacted their municipality. Changes in administrative practices in municipalities in Greenland and changes in legislation entail that the development in registered jobseekers over time should be interpreted with caution. The Government indicates that, in 2017, Greenland’s total population was 55,860. In 2012–15, the average labour force per month, including the employed and the unemployed, but excepting students, ranged between 25,167 and 25,620 people. Sectors that employ most people include public administration and services, fishing, hunting and agriculture, as well as the wholesale sector. In recent years, employment rates increased within public administration, fisheries, and construction and have decreased within the wholesale sector. The Government indicates that the number of jobseekers on average per month, was 3,456 and 2,908 in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Greenland Business Association is of the view that the reason that the average unemployment rate was higher in 2013 and 2014 is primarily due to the Government’s poor planning of the construction industry, an important sector for all land-based industries. It adds that municipalities, the social partners and government ministries have long been discussing the challenges in data collection of labour market statistics, due to the fact that municipalities and the individual municipal employees do not categorize the unemployed into the match groups in a uniform manner, especially given that there is no clear definition of how to categorize the unemployed into the different match groups. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the progress made to obtain accurate labour market data and how it is being used to ensure that employment policy decisions are based on an adequate knowledge of the situation, level and trends of employment. It also requests the Government to continue to provide statistics, disaggregated by age and sex, concerning the size and distribution of the labour force, employment, unemployment and underemployment.

Skills development. The Government indicates that Job, Counselling and Skills Upgrading Centres, established in 2015, focuses on job placement, better counselling for unemployed citizens throughout Greenland and skills upgrading for education and work. The Government also refers to the Skills Development for Unskilled Unemployed People project (PKU) the objective of which is to enable people in vulnerable professions to take part in skills upgrading to reduce unemployment, and at the same time satisfy the demand for specific labour within growth industries such as construction, tourism and mineral resources. The KNAPK observes that self-employed fishers and hunters, who made up 5 per cent of the entire population of Greenland, have limited opportunities for continuing education and training, while there is a great demand among this group for opportunities for continuing education and training, especially within accountancy. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of employment and training initiatives adopted within the implementation of an active employment policy taken or envisaged to improve the education and training system and to enhance its labour market relevance so as to better align the demand and supply of skills. It further requests the Government to provide information in its next report on consultations held with the social partners in relation to the development and implementation of education and training programmes that meet the needs of the labour market, as well as information on the manner in which persons affected by these measures are consulted.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Government indicates that the National Industry and Labour Council in Greenland, established in 2012, meets two or three times a year to discuss labour market challenges and opportunities. In recent years, Council discussions focused on the secure labour market employment strategy and the results of the initiatives in this strategy. In is observations, IMAK indicates that the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Church has not always involved IMAK in reform work, more specifically in connection with the Government’s partnership agreement with the European Union. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the manner in which it ensures consultation with the social partners in the formulation, implementation and monitoring of employment policy measures and programmes.

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Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention. Active labour market measures. Participation of the social partners. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government, including statistics on education expenditure, and the observations from the Teachers Trade Union of Greenland (IMAK), incorporated in the Government’s report. The Government indicates that there are no active mines in Greenland; however, there are four exploitation licences that have been issued and a number of exploration projects are expected submit applications within the next year or two. The Government states that an important challenge is how to involve as much of the Greenlandic workforce and as many Greenlandic enterprises as possible. The Committee notes in this regard the Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA), a specific agreement between the licensee, the local municipality and the Greenland Government, in which targets are set for the involvement of Greenlandic labour, Greenlandic enterprises, education, procurement and other socio-cultural issues. It also notes that the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources is in the process of preparing a report focusing on future needs for outside labour associated with possible mining projects. In its report, the Government also refers to legislation, such as the Large Scale Project Act, and indicates that the social partners have been consulted during the drafting process of legislative acts. With respect to reporting on the application of the Convention, the Committee notes the concerns of IMAK indicating that the consultation period was too short. The Government states that it is going to secure best practice with ILO reporting and improve the cooperation between the Government and the social partners. The Committee invites the Government to include information on the manner in which an active employment policy has been formulated and adopted, in consultation with the social partners and representatives of other communities concerned, with a view to achieving the objectives of full and productive employment, as required by the Convention. It also invites the Government to provide information on the impact of the mining projects in the generation of productive and lasting employment in Greenland.

Article 2. Employment trends. Labour market information. In reply to previous comments, the Government indicates that a decision was taken to create a more realistic and accurate portrayal of registered jobseekers actually available on the labour market. The goal is to implement a system that distinguishes between how many of the registered jobseekers are ready to take a job and how many need long-term employability enhancement, social and medical help. The Government adds that the information system will make it possible to plan and target the right initiatives for the right group of people. The Committee notes that this new system is expected to be implemented in early 2015 by Statistics Greenland. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the progress made to obtain accurate labour market data and how it is being used to ensure that employment policy decisions are based on an adequate knowledge of the situation, level and trends of employment. The Committee also invites the Government to include information on the employment trends in Greenland.

Skills development. The Government indicates that 1,059 unskilled people received an offer to upgrade their qualifications in 2012. Of these people, 900 completed the course and 505 people obtained employment following the completion of the training course. In 2013, 606 out of 841 people had completed a training course. The Committee notes that the Greenland Education Programme is the central focal point for education policy. The vision of the Greenland Education Programme is to obtain a higher standard of living and quality of life through better education. In order to achieve this, the goal is that 2 out of 3 people of the workforce should have academic qualifications or vocational skills in 2020. This goal has been revised and the overall target will be that, of the year groups that leave elementary school from 2015, 70 per cent must obtain a qualifying education before they reach the age of 35. Moreover, among the major changes to the education system is the reform of the vocational education and training system in 2011. As part of this reform the institutions became self-governing institutions controlled by boards of directors with members from the local businesses. This reform aims to increase the involvement of the business community in education and increase the number of apprenticeships available. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the impact of the measures taken in the area of education and training, including apprenticeships, and on their relation to the obtainment of productive employment for the beneficiaries of these measures. Please also include information on the consultations between the social partners in this regard.

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Active labour market measures. Participation of the social partners. The Committee notes the information contained in the report provided by the Government of Denmark received in February 2013, including specific observations from the Teachers’ Union in Greenland (IMAK), and the Health Workers’ Union in Greenland (PPK). The Government indicates that a significant obstacle to full and productive employment is its geography and deficient infrastructure, making it extremely difficult and costly for a worker to commute. In this regard, the Government reports that Home Rule No. 24 of 25 August 2008 on mobility conducive benefits was designed to cover the expenses incurred by workers for relocation and moving household effects when moving for a permanent position. It further refers to a transition to a more modern economy, causing large government-owned companies to downsize as they become more efficient, eliminating 761 jobs in the past seven years. The number of unskilled labour one-man businesses declined from 3,092 to 2,809 during the period of 2007–09. The Government reports that fishermen were particularly vulnerable in this economic transition, given that 232 of the 283 one-man businesses that were closed down during that period were fishermen. As part of the transition, the Government indicates great future job potential in the extracting industry, identifying the Nalunaq, Citronen Fjord, Isua Jern, Kringlerne, Fiskenaesset and Marmorlik mineral projects for 2013–18. The Government reports that the Nalunaq mine is the only mine in operation, that the Isua Jern mine has a licence and financing pending, and the rest are at different stages in the exploration phase. The Committee notes the concerns of IMAK and PPK regarding the extent to which Greenlandic labour is expected to be used in these projects to help achieve full employment. The Government indicates that more jobs will be created than can be filled by Greenlandic workers. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report information on the impact of the mining projects in the generation of productive and lasting employment in Greenland. Please also include information on the manner in which an active employment policy has been formulated and adopted, in consultation with the social partners and representatives of other communities concerned, with a view to achieving full and productive employment (Articles 1, 2, and 3 of the Convention).

Employment trends. Labour market information. In reply to previous comments, the Government reports that implementation has stopped with respect to the Suliaq labour market database because of its complexity. The Committee notes the concerns of IMAK and PPK regarding the lack of information on labour market indicators. The Government indicates that Statistics Greenland will update the unemployment figures, including data on national unemployment and unemployment in towns and settlements, and quarterly calculations of the distribution of skilled unemployed workers across industries. It also indicates that statistics that will be released, include yearly statements of unemployment and the distribution of unemployed persons across age, gender, etc. The Committee notes that a negative trend in unemployment was measured starting in 2009. There was an increase of 383 unemployed people from 2010–11, bringing the total to 2,791 unemployed in 2011. The Government also reports on a sharp increase in the unemployment numbers from 2010–12. The number of unemployed people in settlements remained steady at 1,000 people in 2012. The Committee recalls that improved labour statistics can be of help to the Government in securing the planning and implementation of appropriate employment policy measures. The Committee invites the Government to indicate in its next report the progress made to obtain accurate labour market data and how it is being used to ensure that employment policy decisions are based on an adequate knowledge of the situation, level and trends of employment (Article 2 of the Convention).

Skills development. The Government refers to education, skills development and retraining as being crucial in order to ensure that Greenlandic workers obtain the new jobs created by its economic transition. Some 72 per cent of the people in the workforce are unskilled and 90 per cent of the unemployed population are uneducated. Accordingly, the Government indicates that labour market measures will focus on helping to develop unskilled workers. The Committee notes the Government’s plan of action for unemployed persons for 2012–13. The Government enumerates a series of programmes to be implemented, including a national system to monitor the development of unemployed workers and to determine the measures required to get them back in employment. Further measures include a national jobs portal, counselling and guidance, skills development programmes, resources for occupational and introductory programmes, and additional funding towards courses in the extracting industry designed to minimize the risk of unemployment for workers displaced by the transitioning economy. The Government indicates that it uses prior learning assessments to identify the valuable competencies of workers and to direct their future educational choices towards industries of growth. It also refers to training and education programmes to help working-age people with limitations on their work ability to stay in or return to the labour market. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report an evaluation of the impact of the measures taken in the area of education and training and on their relation to the obtainment of productive employment for the beneficiaries of these measures.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 2010 direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

The Committee notes the Governments report received in November 2010 which enumerates the legislative acts, regulations and statutory orders related to the Convention. It further notes the indications added by the Confederation of Greenlandic Employers on some of the texts listed in the report. IMAK also made remarks to the report by inviting the Government to indicate if new measures and changes have taken place since the last reporting and the impact of the new legislation in the labour market. IMAK noted that no statistical or similar data regarding employment as required by the report form was added to the report. The Committee therefore refers to its previous direct requests, and asks the Government to supply in its next report, due in 2011, detailed information on the employment trends and active labour market policies adopted in line with Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. It reiterates its request for detailed information on the measures taken to match supply and demand in the labour market and to overcome the difficulties in achieving the objectives of full and productive employment established in the Convention.

Collection and analysis of labour market data. In its previous reports, the Government indicated that the labour market database Suliaq was not fully implemented and it expected that it will be fully exploitable during the coming years. The Committee asks the Government to indicate in its next report the progress achieved in the collection of employment data with an indication of the employment measures adopted as a result of the analysis resulting from the implementation of the labour market database.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Committee asks the Government to include information, in its next report, on the consultations held with the social partners including details of their contribution to the implementation and evaluation of an active employment policy.

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

The Committee notes the Governments report received in November 2010 which enumerates the legislative acts, regulations and statutory orders related to the Convention. It further notes the indications added by the Confederation of Greenlandic Employers on some of the texts listed in the report. IMAK also made remarks to the report by inviting the Government to indicate if new measures and changes have taken place since the last reporting and the impact of the new legislation in the labour market. IMAK noted that no statistical or similar data regarding employment as required by the report form was added to the report. The Committee therefore refers to its previous direct requests, and asks the Government to supply in its next report, due in 2011, detailed information on the employment trends and active labour market policies adopted in line with Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. It reiterates its request for detailed information on the measures taken to match supply and demand in the labour market and to overcome the difficulties in achieving the objectives of full and productive employment established in the Convention.

Collection and analysis of labour market data. In its previous reports, the Government indicated that the labour market database Suliaq was not fully implemented and it expected that it will be fully exploitable during the coming years. The Committee asks the Government to indicate in its next report the progress achieved in the collection of employment data with an indication of the employment measures adopted as a result of the analysis resulting from the implementation of the labour market database.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Committee asks the Government to include information, in its next report, on the consultations held with the social partners including details of their contribution to the implementation and evaluation of an active employment policy.

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The Committee notes the Governments report received in November 2010 which enumerates the legislative acts, regulations and statutory orders related to the Convention. It further notes the indications added by the Confederation of Greenlandic Employers on some of the texts listed in the report. IMAK also made remarks to the report by inviting the Government to indicate if new measures and changes have taken place since the last reporting and the impact of the new legislation in the labour market. IMAK noted that no statistical or similar data regarding employment as required by the report form was added to the report. The Committee therefore refers to its previous direct requests, and asks the Government to supply in its next report, due in 2011, detailed information on the employment trends and active labour market policies adopted in line with Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. It reiterates its request for detailed information on the measures taken to match supply and demand in the labour market and to overcome the difficulties in achieving the objectives of full and productive employment established in the Convention.

Collection and analysis of labour market data. In its previous reports, the Government indicated that the labour market database Suliaq was not fully implemented and it expected that it will be fully exploitable during the coming years. The Committee asks the Government to indicate in its next report the progress achieved in the collection of employment data with an indication of the employment measures adopted as a result of the analysis resulting from the implementation of the labour market database.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Committee asks the Government to include information, in its next report, on the consultations held with the social partners including details of their contribution to the implementation and evaluation of an active employment policy.

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Employment trends and active labour market policies. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in November 2007 including replies to the 2006 direct request. The Government provides that the rate of unemployment has fallen to 5.6 per cent in 2006, down from 6.9 per cent in 2004 and 6.2 per cent in 2005. As for the first quarter in 2007, the unemployment rate reached 7.4 per cent in the cities. It further indicates that it has implemented the Home Statutory Order No. 28 of 1 December 2006 on the collection of income tax and labour market contributions with the objective of financing continued training and competency development in the field of vocational training. Also, the objective of Home Rule Parliament Regulation No. 3 of 1 June 2006, amending the Home Rule Parliament Regulation on rehabilitation, is to increase opportunities for finding work by evaluating the unemployed person’s ability to work and, subsequently, by offering individually tailored retraining. The Committee asks the Government to provide further information in its next report on the number of persons benefiting from the abovementioned measures. Please also indicate how the Government and the social partners plan to match supply and demand in the labour market and the difficulties that are encountered in achieving this goal.

2. Collection and analysis of labour market data. The Government indicates that the labour market database Suliaq has not yet been fully implemented. It expects that Suliaq will be fully exploitable during the coming years as the operation of new employment centres in the individual municipalities will lead to improved, automated collection of statistical data. Within the framework of Regulation No. 10 of 18 December 2003 on the public employment service, the Government has entered into an agreement with the municipalities about employment centres. These centres commenced operation in October 2006 and received people looking for jobs, training programmes, courses and other social benefits. The centres also provide labour market data to the Suliaq database. The Committee asks the Government to indicate in its next report the progress achieved in the collection of employment data with an indication of the employment measures adopted as a result of the analysis resulting from the implementation of the new labour market database.

3. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Government indicates that the objective of the Competency Development Council is to assist the Government on matters concerning competence development in the area of vocational training, and to enhance the coordination of initiatives in the area of labour market and vocational training. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing information on the consultations held with the social partners including details of their contribution to the implementation and evaluation of an active employment policy.

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1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Employment trends and active labour market policies. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in November 2007 including replies to the 2006 direct request. The Government provides that the rate of unemployment has fallen to 5.6 per cent in 2006, down from 6.9 per cent in 2004 and 6.2 per cent in 2005. As for the first quarter in 2007, the unemployment rate reached 7.4 per cent in the cities. It further indicates that it has implemented the Home Statutory Order No. 28 of 1 December 2006 on the collection of income tax and labour market contributions with the objective of financing continued training and competency development in the field of vocational training. Also, the objective of Home Rule Parliament Regulation No. 3 of 1 June 2006, amending the Home Rule Parliament Regulation on rehabilitation, is to increase opportunities for finding work by evaluating the unemployed person’s ability to work and, subsequently, by offering individually tailored retraining. The Committee asks the Government to provide further information in its next report on the number of persons benefiting from the abovementioned measures. Please also indicate how the Government and the social partners plan to match supply and demand in the labour market and the difficulties that are encountered in achieving this goal.

2. Collection and analysis of labour market data. The Government indicates that the labour market database Suliaq has not yet been fully implemented. It expects that Suliaq will be fully exploitable during the coming years as the operation of new employment centres in the individual municipalities will lead to improved, automated collection of statistical data. Within the framework of Regulation No. 10 of 18 December 2003 on the public employment service, the Government has entered into an agreement with the municipalities about employment centres. These centres commenced operation in October 2006 and received people looking for jobs, training programmes, courses and other social benefits. The centres also provide labour market data to the Suliaq database. The Committee asks the Government to indicate in its next report the progress achieved in the collection of employment data with an indication of the employment measures adopted as a result of the analysis resulting from the implementation of the new labour market database.

3. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Government indicates that the objective of the Competency Development Council is to assist the Government on matters concerning competence development in the area of vocational training, and to enhance the coordination of initiatives in the area of labour market and vocational training. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing information on the consultations held with the social partners including details of their contribution to the implementation and evaluation of an active employment policy.

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The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report received in November 2005.

1. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Government indicates that Order No. 10 of 18 December 2003 on placement services has been implemented, aiming at providing free services nationwide for the unemployed and at improving the development of the labour market by strengthening professionalism and mobility. The main tasks of the placement services are to assist workers to find suitable employment while matching the labour force demands of the employers and to provide training and vocational guidance services. The Government also indicates that it expects its statistical analysis instrument, Suliaq, to be fully operational in 2006. However, as its electronic job bank, Isikkivik, has not produced the expected results, the Government is currently experimenting with a Danish electronic job bank service.

2. The Government further indicates that the percentage of women in the labour force is slightly higher than that of men (84.7 per cent compared with 82.5 per cent), while the unemployment rate stands at 6.3 per cent. The Government explains that, following the implementation of Order No. 10 of 2003, it is signing agreements with municipalities concerning the establishment of supervision centres. These centres, which were planned to start their activities at the beginning of 2006, will receive all enquiries from persons seeking employment, education, training or other social services. These centres should also provide the Government with more accurate data about the labour market. The Committee asks the Government to supply data regularly on labour market trends and information on the impact and the progress achieved through its placement services and its new statistical analysis instrument. It also requests the Government to keep providing details on how employment policies and programmes are kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention).

3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Government indicates that the National Labour Market Council was abolished in 2004 and replaced by the National Council for Capacity Building in the Labour Market and Education. The Government indicates that the Council is composed of workers’ and employers’ representatives, representatives of the municipalities of Greenland, as well as representatives of vocational schools. Since its establishment, the Council has made a number of recommendations to the Home Rule Government concerning, in particular, ways to improve the educational system and increase training initiatives and opportunities. The Committee notes this information with interest and asks the Government to continue suppling information on the activities of the Council and on how its recommendations are taken into account in formulating, implementing and evaluating employment policies and programmes (Article 3).

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 2001 direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report for the period ending 31 May 2001.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Government states that there is insufficient data on unemployment in the districts, due to sporadic reporting, but the Government suspects that there is a high level of hidden unemployment. It has increased the number of courses offered to obtain a qualification and decreased social expenditure. The Government intends to implement Suliaq, a statistical analysis instrument. It is also planning to implement Isikkivik, an electronic job bank. The Committee requests that the Government supply data on labour market trends and further information on progress made in monitoring and analysing labour market trends. Please also provide further details on how employment policies and programmes are kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy.

2. Article 3. The Committee notes that the Government set up the National Labour Market Council in 1998. The Council includes representatives of employers and workers, and discusses employment-related issues such as qualifications, youth services, job placement resources, and unemployment insurance. It addresses its recommendations to the Minister of Social Affairs and Labour. The recommendations have been implemented or are in the process of being implemented. Please continue to supply information on the activities of the Council and on how its recommendations are taken into account in formulating, implementing and evaluating employment policies and programmes.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 2001 direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report for the period ending 31 May 2001.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Government states that there is insufficient data on unemployment in the districts, due to sporadic reporting, but the Government suspects that there is a high level of hidden unemployment. It has increased the number of courses offered to obtain a qualification and decreased social expenditure. The Government intends to implement Suliaq, a statistical analysis instrument. It is also planning to implement Isikkivik, an electronic job bank. The Committee requests that the Government supply data on labour market trends and further information on progress made in monitoring and analysing labour market trends. Please also provide further details on how employment policies and programmes are kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy.

2. Article 3. The Committee notes that the Government set up the National Labour Market Council in 1998. The Council includes representatives of employers and workers, and discusses employment-related issues such as qualifications, youth services, job placement resources, and unemployment insurance. It addresses its recommendations to the Minister of Social Affairs and Labour. The recommendations have been implemented or are in the process of being implemented. Please continue to supply information on the activities of the Council and on how its recommendations are taken into account in formulating, implementing and evaluating employment policies and programmes.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 2001 direct request, which read as follows.

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report for the period ending 31 May 2001.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Government states that there is insufficient data on unemployment in the districts, due to sporadic reporting, but the Government suspects that there is a high level of hidden unemployment. It has increased the number of courses offered to obtain a qualification and decreased social expenditure. The Government intends to implement Suliaq, a statistical analysis instrument. It is also planning to implement Isikkivik, an electronic job bank. The Committee requests that the Government supply data on labour market trends and further information on progress made in monitoring and analysing labour market trends. Please also provide further details on how employment policies and programmes are kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy.

2. Article 3. The Committee notes that the Government set up the National Labour Market Council in 1998. The Council includes representatives of employers and workers, and discusses employment-related issues such as qualifications, youth services, job placement resources, and unemployment insurance. It addresses its recommendations to the Minister of Social Affairs and Labour. The recommendations have been implemented or are in the process of being implemented. Please continue to supply information on the activities of the Council and on how its recommendations are taken into account in formulating, implementing and evaluating employment policies and programmes.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 2001 direct request which read as follows:

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report for the period ending 31 May 2001.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Government states that there is insufficient data on unemployment in the districts, due to sporadic reporting, but the Government suspects that there is a high level of hidden unemployment. It has increased the number of courses offered to obtain a qualification and decreased social expenditure. The Government intends to implement Suliaq, a statistical analysis instrument. It is also planning to implement Isikkivik, an electronic job bank. The Committee requests that the Government supply data on labour market trends and further information on progress made in monitoring and analysing labour market trends. Please also provide further details on how employment policies and programmes are kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy.

2. Article 3.  The Committee notes that the Government set up the National Labour Market Council in 1998. The Council includes representatives of employers and workers, and discusses employment-related issues such as qualifications, youth services, job placement resources, and unemployment insurance. It addresses its recommendations to the Minister of Social Affairs and Labour. The recommendations have been implemented or are in the process of being implemented. Please continue to supply information on the activities of the Council and on how its recommendations are taken into account in formulating, implementing and evaluating employment policies and programmes.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report for the period ending 31 May 2001.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Government states that there is insufficient data on unemployment in the districts, due to sporadic reporting, but the Government suspects that there is a high level of hidden unemployment. It has increased the number of courses offered to obtain a qualification and decreased social expenditure. The Government intends to implement Suliaq, a statistical analysis instrument. It is also planning to implement Isikkivik, an electronic job bank. The Committee requests that the Government supply data on labour market trends and further information on progress made in monitoring and analysing labour market trends. Please also provide further details on how employment policies and programmes are kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy.

2. Article 3.  The Committee notes that the Government set up the National Labour Market Council in 1998. The Council includes representatives of employers and workers, and discusses employment-related issues such as qualifications, youth services, job placement resources, and unemployment insurance. It addresses its recommendations to the Minister of Social Affairs and Labour. The recommendations have been implemented or are in the process of being implemented. Please continue to supply information on the activities of the Council and on how its recommendations are taken into account in formulating, implementing and evaluating employment policies and programmes.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which reads as follows:

1.  The Committee notes the reports submitted by the Government for the periods ending 31 May 1997 and 31 May 1998. The Committee notes the new initiatives implemented by the Government in order to combat unemployment including the establishment of a municipal public employment service, wage subsidies and municipal youth vocational training. The Committee notes in particular that, according to the statistics provided, unemployment has increased since the mid-1990s.

2.  The Committee notes that a new system for compiling labour statistics has been established but that it covers only those workers who were born in Greenland and who work in cities. The Committee recalls the need to collect and analyse statistical and other data concerning the size and distribution of the labour force, the nature and extent of unemployment and underemployment and relevant trends, as a basis for deciding on measures of employment policy (see the report form under Article 2 of the Convention). It hopes that the Government will be able to include in future reports information on the entire workforce of Greenland and supply any other information available on the impact on employment of economic and social policy measures.

3.  The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on employment promotion measures such as the approximate numbers of participants and investment targets set. The Committee trusts that the Government will make every effort to evaluate the effects of employment promotion projects and will be able to include in its next report information on their impact.

4.  Article 3.  The Government states that in practice, the social partners and municipal authorities are consulted in matters concerning them. The Committee welcomes the Government’s proposal to set up a national labour market council and formalize the role of the employers’ and employees’ representatives. It would be grateful if the Government would include in future reports examples of consultations on employment policies and measures held with representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations as well as with representatives of other sectors of the economically active population.

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1. The Committee notes the reports submitted by the Government for the periods ending 31 May 1997 and 31 May 1998. The Committee notes the new initiatives implemented by the Government in order to combat unemployment including the establishment of a municipal public employment service, wage subsidies and municipal youth vocational training. The Committee notes in particular that, according to the statistics provided, unemployment has increased since the mid-1990s.

2. The Committee notes that a new system for compiling labour statistics has been established but that it covers only those workers who were born in Greenland and who work in cities. The Committee recalls the need to collect and analyse statistical and other data concerning the size and distribution of the labour force, the nature and extent of unemployment and underemployment and relevant trends, as a basis for deciding on measures of employment policy (see the report form under Article 2 of the Convention). It hopes that the Government will be able to include in future reports information on the entire workforce of Greenland and supply any other information available on the impact on employment of economic and social policy measures.

3. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on employment promotion measures such as the approximate numbers of participants and investment targets set. The Committee trusts that the Government will make every effort to evaluate the effects of employment promotion projects and will be able to include in its next report information on their impact.

4. Article 3. The Government states that in practice, the social partners and municipal authorities are consulted in matters concerning them. The Committee welcomes the Government's proposal to set up a national labour market council and formalize the role of the employers' and employees' representatives. It would be grateful if the Government would include in future reports examples of consultations on employment policies and measures held with representatives of employers' and workers' organizations as well as with representatives of other sectors of the economically active population.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report for the period ending June 1994. According to the data provided by the Government, the unemployment rate, which had reached an annual average of 6.9 per cent in 1991, rose to 8 per cent in 1992 and 7.5 per cent in 1993. The Government also states that the vast majority of workers affected by unemployment are unskilled. With reference to its previous request, the Committee regrets to note that the Government is still not in a position to provide detailed information on the situation and trends of employment, underemployment and unemployment. It recalls that it noted previously the Government's statement that a system for the compilation and analysis of employment statistics was being developed. In view of the need to have available reliable information on current and foreseeable labour market trends in order to decide upon and keep under review employment policy measures in accordance with Article 2 of the Convention, the Committee hopes that the Government will soon be in a position to report progress in this respect.

2. The Government refers to employment promotion measures through financing the purchase of raw materials by enterprises in the fishing sector in order to prevent dismissals, as well as the launching of labour-intensive activities in the construction sector. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide more detailed information on the contribution made by these measures to combating unemployment.

3. The Committee notes the adoption of new provisions for the employment of the unemployed in special projects and the payment of subsidies to employers who recruit them. It requests the Government to indicate the number of persons who have benefited from these measures. The Committee also notes the information concerning vocational training courses for the unemployed. It notes that their effectiveness in terms of the long-term integration of beneficiaries into employment appears to be relatively limited. More generally, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide any evaluation that is available of the effectiveness of the various measures to intervene on the labour market. It notes in this respect that the working group set up to coordinate and evaluate activities to combat unemployment has not met in recent years.

4. The Committee regrets to note the absence of any information on the manner in which the representatives of the persons concerned by the measures to be taken, and particularly the representatives of employers and workers, are consulted concerning employment policies, in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention. It trusts that the Government will supply full information in its next report on the effect given to this important provision of the Convention.

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The Committee notes that the Government's report contains no reply to previous comments. It hopes that the next report will include full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report for the period ending June 1994. According to the data provided by the Government, the unemployment rate, which had reached an annual average of 6.9 per cent in 1991, rose to 8 per cent in 1992 and 7.5 per cent in 1993. The Government also states that the vast majority of workers affected by unemployment are unskilled. With reference to its previous request, the Committee regrets to note that the Government is still not in a position to provide detailed information on the situation and trends of employment, underemployment and unemployment. It recalls that it noted previously the Government's statement that a system for the compilation and analysis of employment statistics was being developed. In view of the need to have available reliable information on current and foreseeable labour market trends in order to decide upon and keep under review employment policy measures in accordance with Article 2 of the Convention, the Committee hopes that the Government will soon be in a position to report progress in this respect.

2. The Government refers to employment promotion measures through financing the purchase of raw materials by enterprises in the fishing sector in order to prevent dismissals, as well as the launching of labour-intensive activities in the construction sector. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide more detailed information on the contribution made by these measures to combating unemployment.

3. The Committee notes the adoption of new provisions for the employment of the unemployed in special projects and the payment of subsidies to employers who recruit them. It requests the Government to indicate the number of persons who have benefited from these measures. The Committee also notes the information concerning vocational training courses for the unemployed. It notes that their effectiveness in terms of the long-term integration of beneficiaries into employment appears to be relatively limited. More generally, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide any evaluation that is available of the effectiveness of the various measures to intervene on the labour market. It notes in this respect that the working group set up to coordinate and evaluate activities to combat unemployment has not met in recent years.

4. The Committee regrets to note the absence of any information on the manner in which the representatives of the persons concerned by the measures to be taken, and particularly the representatives of employers and workers, are consulted concerning employment policies, in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention. It trusts that the Government will supply full information in its next report on the effect given to this important provision of the Convention.

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1. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report for the period ending June 1994. According to the data provided by the Government, the unemployment rate, which had reached an annual average of 6.9 per cent in 1991, rose to 8 per cent in 1992 and 7.5 per cent in 1993. The Government also states that the vast majority of workers affected by unemployment are unskilled. With reference to its previous request, the Committee regrets to note that the Government is still not in a position to provide detailed information on the situation and trends of employment, underemployment and unemployment. It recalls that it noted previously the Government's statement that a system for the compilation and analysis of employment statistics was being developed. In view of the need to have available reliable information on current and foreseeable labour market trends in order to decide upon and keep under review employment policy measures in accordance with Article 2 of the Convention, the Committee hopes that the Government will soon be in a position to report progress in this respect.

2. The Government refers to employment promotion measures through financing the purchase of raw materials by enterprises in the fishing sector in order to prevent dismissals, as well as the launching of labour-intensive activities in the construction sector. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide more detailed information on the contribution made by these measures to combating unemployment.

3. The Committee notes the adoption of new provisions for the employment of the unemployed in special projects and the payment of subsidies to employers who recruit them. It requests the Government to indicate the number of persons who have benefited from these measures. The Committee also notes the information concerning vocational training courses for the unemployed. It notes that their effectiveness in terms of the long-term integration of beneficiaries into employment appears to be relatively limited. More generally, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide any evaluation that is available of the effectiveness of the various measures to intervene on the labour market. It notes in this respect that the working group set up to coordinate and evaluate activities to combat unemployment has not met in recent years.

4. The Committee regrets to note the absence of any information on the manner in which the representatives of the persons concerned by the measures to be taken, and particularly the representatives of employers and workers, are consulted concerning employment policies, in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention. It trusts that the Government will supply full information in its next report on the effect given to this important provision of the Convention.

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1. The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending June 1992. It notes from the sparse data provided, which do not cover the whole reporting period, that there has been a rapid increase in the unemployment rate which rose from of 5.6 per cent in 1990 to 7.4 per cent in 1991. The Government indicates that unemployment is affecting the fishing industry and other sectors of the economy. Further to its previous request, the Committee notes that register-based employment statistics are in the process of being built up, which should result in an improvement in labour market statistics in the coming years. It hopes that the Government will soon be in a position to provide detailed information on the situation and trends in employment, underemployment and unemployment for the economically active population as a whole and for the various categories of workers and sectors of activity.

2. The Committee notes that the report mentions, without giving details, that training courses are held for the unemployed. Please provide detailed information on these courses, the number of people attending them and the results obtained in terms of their integration into employment. The Committee also notes that a group has been set up to coordinate employment initiatives. Please indicate how the group contributes to the formulation and application of an active employment policy stating, in particular, how consultations are organized with the representatives of employers' and workers' organizations or other persons affected.

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1. The Committee notes the information supplied in reply to its direct request, which is contained in the Government's report for the period ending June 1990. It notes the succinct data on unemployment provided by the 1989 survey (quarterly averages). However, the Government indicates that due to the methods used these data cannot be compared directly with previous statistics nor with the corresponding figures for Denmark. It also considers that the information does not directly reflect the impact on employment of a restrictive economic policy. According to the Government, it is impossible to study employment by sector in the absence of the relevant data, and recent attempts to this effect have not produced reliable labour market indicators. Moreover, there are no studies which make it possible to evaluate the results of employment promotion projects and their effect on skill levels.

2. With reference to its previous direct request, the Committee recalls that improved labour statistics can be of help to the Government in securing the planning and implementation of appropriate employment policy measures. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate in its next report the measures that have been taken or are envisaged in order to ensure that employment policy decisions are based on an adequate knowledge of the situation, level and trends of employment.

3. Finally, the Committee would be grateful to receive additional information: (i) on recently introduced vocational training programmes, and (ii) on the organisation and outcome of consultations concerning employment policies with representatives of occupational organisations and other persons affected.

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The Committee takes note of the information supplied by the Government. It notes that unemployment has declined slightly but continues to account for a substantial percentage of available manpower (an estimated 10.2 per cent in 1986). It hopes that the Government will pursue its efforts to promote the objectives of full, productive and freely chosen employment, in accordance with the Convention, and that its next report will contain information on the following points.

1. In reply to the Committee's previous comments, the Government indicates that the Greenland authorities have adopted Act No. 18 of 16 December of 1988 to regulate labour in Greenland. The Committee duly notes that the Government intends to include more detailed information on the changes introduced by the new legislation in its next report.

2. The Government indicates that employment surveys reveal a decline in unemployment in 1987. Processing of unemployment statistics has recently been computerised. The Committee recalls that improved labour statistics can be of help to the Government in securing the planning and implementation of appropriate employment policy measures. It hopes that the next report will contain data on developments and trends in the labour market, showing the employment situation in the various sectors of activity and groups of the population.

3. The Government states that there will be a continued increase in the resources allocated to promoting employment and that emphasis is placed on projects which involve training of the labour force or which have an employment-increasing effect. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would include information on the results of the employment promotion projects implemented by the local authorities, in both the urban and rural sectors.

4. The Government indicates that the educational reform, which covers vocational training, has been implemented but that it is too early to evaluate its effects. The Committee asks the Government to provide the relevant information as soon as it is available and, more generally, to indicate the impact of the measures to co-ordinate education and training policies with employment prospects.

5. Article 3 of the Convention. The Government states that the Trade Development Council has been abolished. Please indicate the way in which the representatives of the sectors concerned are consulted concerning employment policies and state whether formal consultation procedures have been established for this purpose.