Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Romania (RATIFICATION: 1973)

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 2 of the Convention. Employment programmes. Education and training policies. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to the National Vocational Training Plan. The Government indicates that the organization of vocational training for jobseekers takes into account the momentum and perspective of the labour market, as well as the individual options and aptitudes of the person concerned. The Government also indicates that the apprenticeship and appraisal arrangements have been included in the National Vocational Training Programme since 2014. Moreover, the National Employment Agency submits to the Ministry of Labour and Social Justice a monthly report on the situation of the vocational training, appraisal and apprenticeship programmes. The Committee notes the statistic information provided by the Government on the implementation of the Plan. As of 31 July 2018, 7,014 persons belonging to disadvantaged groups have benefited from vocational training, including 1,248 long-term unemployed persons, 5,481 unemployed persons from rural areas, 11 unemployed persons with disabilities, 145 unemployed members of the Roma community, 22 persons released from detention and 107 persons released in detention. The Committee also notes that, according to the report on the status of implementation of the national vocational training plan for 2020, there were 10,391 beneficiaries, including 7,281 unemployed persons and 22 persons of other categories who received vocational training, and 3,088 persons who obtained apprenticeship contracts. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing detailed information, including disaggregated statistical data, on the impact of its education and training policies and programmes in terms of job opportunities created, particularly for the unemployed, young persons, members of the Roma community minority and other vulnerable groups.

Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Department for SME Business and Tourism Measures provides incentives to encourage young entrepreneurs to develop microenterprises, leading to the establishment of 15,253 microenterprises and the creation of 8,576 new jobs. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken to support the creation of small and medium-sized enterprises and on their impact in terms of stimulating employment and creation of decent jobs.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments.

Repetition

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Employment trends and active labour market policies. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the overall employment rate for the active population (15–64 years) reached 66.0 per cent in the third quarter of 2020, showing an upward trend compared to 63.9 per cent in 2017. It also notes the persistently lower employment rates for women in 2017 (55.8 per cent for women compared to 71.8 per cent for men) and in the third quarter of 2020 (56.9 per cent for women compared to 74.9 per cent for men). The Committee notes that, according to ILOSTAT data, the overall unemployment rate in 2020 was 5 per cent (5.3 per cent for men and 4.7 per cent for women, respectively). The Government refers to the Human Capital Operational Program (HCOP) as an important tool for financing employment measures, structures in seven priority axes, including employment (axes 1, 2 and 3), social inclusion (axes 4 and 5), education (axis 6) and technical assistance (axis 7). The Government also indicates that Act No. 76/2002 on the unemployment insurance system and employment stimulation during the period 2016–18 was amended, with the aim of increasing employment opportunities for registered unemployed persons and jobseekers and stimulating employers to hire registered unemployed persons. The Committee notes that job subsides are provided to employers who offer employment opportunities to specific groups of workers, including new graduates, persons with disabilities, registered unemployed persons over the age of 45, long-term unemployed persons, young people in the NEET category (not in employment, education or training), youth at risk of social marginalization and unemployed single parents. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing updated detailed information on general employment trends, including statistical data disaggregated by sex and age. It further requests the Government to continue providing information on the impact of its employment policy measures in terms of the creation of productive employment and decent jobs, job creation, particularly for specific groups such as women, youth at risk of social marginalization, persons with disabilities, older workers and the long-term unemployed.

Youth employment. The Committee notes that the unemployment rate of youth (15–24 years) stood at 18.3 per cent in 2017, rising to 19.2 per cent in the third quarter of 2020. Moreover, according to the 2020 European Commission Country Report for Romania (SWD (2020) 522 final), in 2018 the percentage of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) was one of the highest in the European Union, with three times as many NEETs among the young rural resident population (15–24) compared to those living in urban areas. The Government indicates that, as part of its efforts to support the labour market integration of young persons, particularly those in the NEET category, the Ministry of Labour and Social Justice elaborated the Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan 2017–2020. The Government also reports that it approved a draft Youth Law on 5 July 2018 which was sent to Parliament. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing updated detailed information, including statistical data disaggregated by age, sex and rural/urban areas on the nature and impact of the measures taken to facilitate lasting employment opportunities for young people, especially those classified as NEETs. It also requests the Government to provide information on progress made regarding the adoption of the new Youth Law, and to provide a copy once adopted.

Roma minority. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to the Strategy for the Inclusion of Romanian citizens belonging to the Roma Minority 2012–2020 as well as to axes 4 and 5 of the HCOP, which focus on reducing social exclusion. The Government indicates that the National Agency for Employment is responsible for implementing measures taken to attain the employment objectives, based on annual employment programs. Measures taken include the provision of information on employment services in communities with large numbers of Roma, allocation of territorial budgets, job exchanges and development of collaboration with Roma representatives. The Committee notes that the Government exceeded its target of providing employment to 5,385 members of the Roma community in 2015, with 6,295 Roma being placed in employment; however, the targets set for 2016 and 2017 were not fully achieved. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated detailed information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex and age, on the nature and impact of the measures taken to promote access to lasting employment and decent work for members of the Roma community.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and implementation of policies. The Committee previously requested the Government to provide specific examples of how the social partners are effectively consulted and participate in decision making on the matters covered by the Convention. In this respect, the Committee notes the Government’s reference to the development of the Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan, indicating that the social partners were consulted during this process. The Government also indicates that social partners and non-governmental organizations play an important role in the implementation of various programmes and projects related to employment, promotion of youth-related initiatives, training ventures, job placement, apprenticeship and traineeship programmes. The Committee further notes that the National Employment Program, developed each year by the National Agency for Employment since 2002, is formulated on the basis of proposals from the county employment agencies and the Bucharest Municipality Agency, taking into account the economic and social situation at the territorial level and the strategic targets in the programmatic documents adopted at national level. The Government indicates that the National Employment Program targets specific groups that encounter difficulty in accessing the labour market, such as members of the Roma community, persons with disabilities, young persons covered by the child protection system, foreigners, refugees and beneficiaries of other forms of international protection, persons who have executed custodial sentences and victims of trafficking. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the manner in which the social partners are effectively consulted and participate in the development of the National Employment Programme each year. It also requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that these consultations include representatives of other segments of the economically active population, including representatives of the Roma community, persons with disabilities, women and young persons, as well as of persons working in informal economy.

The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.

The Committee expects that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

CMNT_TITLE

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.

Repetition

Article 2 of the Convention. Employment programmes. Education and training policies. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to the National Vocational Training Plan. The Government indicates that the organization of vocational training for jobseekers takes into account the momentum and perspective of the labour market, as well as the individual options and aptitudes of the person concerned. The Government also indicates that the apprenticeship and appraisal arrangements have been included in the National Vocational Training Programme since 2014. Moreover, the National Employment Agency submits to the Ministry of Labour and Social Justice a monthly report on the situation of the vocational training, appraisal and apprenticeship programmes. The Committee notes the statistic information provided by the Government on the implementation of the Plan. As of 31 July 2018, 7,014 persons belonging to disadvantaged groups have benefited from vocational training, including 1,248 long-term unemployed persons, 5,481 unemployed persons from rural areas, 11 unemployed persons with disabilities, 145 unemployed members of the Roma community, 22 persons released from detention and 107 persons released in detention. The Committee also notes that, according to the report on the status of implementation of the national vocational training plan for 2020, there were 10,391 beneficiaries, including 7281 unemployed persons and 22 persons of other categories who received vocational training, and 3088 persons who obtained apprenticeship contracts.The Committee requests the Government to continue providing detailed information, including disaggregated statistical data, on the impact of its education and training policies and programmes in terms of job opportunities created, particularly for the unemployed, young persons, members of the Roma community minority and other vulnerable groups.

Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Department for SME Business and Tourism Measures provides incentives to encourage young entrepreneurs to develop micro enterprises, leading to the establishment of 15,253 micro enterprises and the creation of 8,576 new jobs.The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken to support the creation of small and medium-sized enterprises and on their impact in terms of stimulating employment and creation of decent jobs.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments.

Repetition

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Employment trends and active labour market policies. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the overall employment rate for the active population (15–64 years) reached 66.0 per cent in the third quarter of 2020, showing an upward trend compared to 63.9 per cent in 2017. It also notes the persistently lower employment rates for women in 2017 (55.8 per cent for women compared to 71.8 per cent for men) and in the third quarter of 2020 (56.9 per cent for women compared to 74.9 per cent for men). The Committee notes that, according to ILOSTAT data, the overall unemployment rate in 2020 was 5 per cent (5.3 per cent for men and 4.7 per cent for women, respectively). The Government refers to the Human Capital Operational Program (HCOP) as an important tool for financing employment measures, structures in seven priority axes, including employment (axes 1, 2 and 3), social inclusion (axes 4 and 5), education (axis 6) and technical assistance (axis 7). The Government also indicates that Act No. 76/2002 on the unemployment insurance system and employment stimulation during the period 2016–18 was amended, with the aim of increasing employment opportunities for registered unemployed persons and jobseekers and stimulating employers to hire registered unemployed persons. The Committee notes that job subsides are provided to employers who offer employment opportunities to specific groups of workers, including new graduates, persons with disabilities, registered unemployed persons over the age of 45, long-term unemployed persons, young people in the NEET category (not in employment, education or training), youth at risk of social marginalization and unemployed single parents.The Committee requests the Government to continue providing updated detailed information on general employment trends, including statistical data disaggregated by sex and age. It further requests the Government to continue providing information on the impact of its employment policy measures in terms of the creation of productive employment and decent jobs, job creation, particularly for specific groups such as women, youth at risk of social marginalization, persons with disabilities, older workers and the long-term unemployed.

Youth employment. The Committee notes that the unemployment rate of youth (15–24 years) stood at 18.3 per cent in 2017, rising to 19.2 per cent in the third quarter of 2020. Moreover, according to the 2020 European Commission Country Report for Romania (SWD (2020) 522 final), in 2018 the percentage of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) was one of the highest in the European Union, with three times as many NEETs among the young rural resident population (15–24) compared to those living in urban areas. The Government indicates that, as part of its efforts to support the labour market integration of young persons, particularly those in the NEET category, the Ministry of Labour and Social Justice elaborated the Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan 2017–2020. The Government also reports that it approved a draft Youth Law on 5 July 2018 which was sent to Parliament.The Committee requests the Government to continue providing updated detailed information, including statistical data disaggregated by age, sex and rural/urban areas on the nature and impact of the measures taken to facilitate lasting employment opportunities for young people, especially those classified as NEETs. It also requests the Government to provide information on progress made regarding the adoption of the new Youth Law, and to provide a copy once adopted.

Roma minority. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to the Strategy for the Inclusion of Romanian citizens belonging to the Roma Minority 2012–2020 as well as to axes 4 and 5 of the HCOP, which focus on reducing social exclusion. The Government indicates that the National Agency for Employment is responsible for implementing measures taken to attain the employment objectives, based on annual employment programs. Measures taken include the provision of information on employment services in communities with large numbers of Roma, allocation of territorial budgets, job exchanges and development of collaboration with Roma representatives. The Committee notes that the Government exceeded its target of providing employment to 5,385 members of the Roma community in 2015, with 6,295 Roma being placed in employment; however, the targets set for 2016 and 2017 were not fully achieved.The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated detailed information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex and age, on the nature and impact of the measures taken to promote access to lasting employment and decent work for members of the Roma community.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and implementation of policies. The Committee previously requested the Government to provide specific examples of how the social partners are effectively consulted and participate in decision making on the matters covered by the Convention. In this respect, the Committee notes the Government’s reference to the development of the Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan, indicating that the social partners were consulted during this process. The Government also indicates that social partners and non-governmental organizations play an important role in the implementation of various programmes and projects related to employment, promotion of youth-related initiatives, training ventures, job placement, apprenticeship and traineeship programmes. The Committee further notes that the National Employment Program, developed each year by the National Agency for Employment since 2002, is formulated on the basis of proposals from the county employment agencies and the Bucharest Municipality Agency, taking into account the economic and social situation at the territorial level and the strategic targets in the programmatic documents adopted at national level. The Government indicates that the National Employment Program targets specific groups that encounter difficulty in accessing the labour market, such as members of the Roma community, persons with disabilities, young persons covered by the child protection system, foreigners, refugees and beneficiaries of other forms of international protection, persons who have executed custodial sentences and victims of trafficking.The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the manner in which the social partners are effectively consulted and participate in the development of the National Employment Programme each year. It also requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that these consultations include representatives of other segments of the economically active population, including representatives of the Roma community, persons with disabilities, women and young persons, as well as of persons working in informal economy.

The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

CMNT_TITLE

Article 2 of the Convention. Employment programmes. Education and training policies. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to the National Vocational Training Plan. The Government indicates that the organization of vocational training for jobseekers takes into account the momentum and perspective of the labour market, as well as the individual options and aptitudes of the person concerned. The Government also indicates that the apprenticeship and appraisal arrangements have been included in the National Vocational Training Programme since 2014. Moreover, the National Employment Agency submits to the Ministry of Labour and Social Justice a monthly report on the situation of the vocational training, appraisal and apprenticeship programmes. The Committee notes the statistic information provided by the Government on the implementation of the Plan. As of 31 July 2018, 7,014 persons belonging to disadvantaged groups have benefited from vocational training, including 1,248 long-term unemployed persons, 5,481 unemployed persons from rural areas, 11 unemployed persons with disabilities, 145 unemployed members of the Roma community, 22 persons released from detention and 107 persons released in detention. The Committee also notes that, according to the report on the status of implementation of the national vocational training plan for 2020, there were 10,391 beneficiaries, including 7281 unemployed persons and 22 persons of other categories who received vocational training, and 3088 persons who obtained apprenticeship contracts. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing detailed information, including disaggregated statistical data, on the impact of its education and training policies and programmes in terms of job opportunities created, particularly for the unemployed, young persons, members of the Roma community minority and other vulnerable groups.

Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Department for SME Business and Tourism Measures provides incentives to encourage young entrepreneurs to develop micro enterprises, leading to the establishment of 15,253 micro enterprises and the creation of 8,576 new jobs. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken to support the creation of small and medium-sized enterprises and on their impact in terms of stimulating employment and creation of decent jobs.

CMNT_TITLE

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Employment trends and active labour market policies. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the overall employment rate for the active population (15–64 years) reached 66.0 per cent in the third quarter of 2020, showing an upward trend compared to 63.9 per cent in 2017. It also notes the persistently lower employment rates for women in 2017 (55.8 per cent for women compared to 71.8 per cent for men) and in the third quarter of 2020 (56.9 per cent for women compared to 74.9 per cent for men). The Committee notes that, according to ILOSTAT data, the overall unemployment rate in 2020 was 5 per cent (5.3 per cent for men and 4.7 per cent for women, respectively). The Government refers to the Human Capital Operational Program (HCOP) as an important tool for financing employment measures, structures in seven priority axes, including employment (axes 1, 2 and 3), social inclusion (axes 4 and 5), education (axis 6) and technical assistance (axis 7). The Government also indicates that Act No. 76/2002 on the unemployment insurance system and employment stimulation during the period 2016–18 was amended, with the aim of increasing employment opportunities for registered unemployed persons and jobseekers and stimulating employers to hire registered unemployed persons. The Committee notes that job subsides are provided to employers who offer employment opportunities to specific groups of workers, including new graduates, persons with disabilities, registered unemployed persons over the age of 45, long-term unemployed persons, young people in the NEET category (not in employment, education or training), youth at risk of social marginalization and unemployed single parents. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing updated detailed information on general employment trends, including statistical data disaggregated by sex and age. It further requests the Government to continue providing information on the impact of its employment policy measures in terms of the creation of productive employment and decent jobs, job creation, particularly for specific groups such as women, youth at risk of social marginalization, persons with disabilities, older workers and the long-term unemployed.

Youth employment. The Committee notes that the unemployment rate of youth (15–24 years) stood at 18.3 per cent in 2017, rising to 19.2 per cent in the third quarter of 2020. Moreover, according to the 2020 European Commission Country Report for Romania (SWD (2020) 522 final), in 2018 the percentage of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) was one of the highest in the European Union, with three times as many NEETs among the young rural resident population (15–24) compared to those living in urban areas. The Government indicates that, as part of its efforts to support the labour market integration of young persons, particularly those in the NEET category, the Ministry of Labour and Social Justice elaborated the Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan 2017–2020. The Government also reports that it approved a draft Youth Law on 5 July 2018 which was sent to Parliament. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing updated detailed information, including statistical data disaggregated by age, sex and rural/urban areas on the nature and impact of the measures taken to facilitate lasting employment opportunities for young people, especially those classified as NEETs. It also requests the Government to provide information on progress made regarding the adoption of the new Youth Law, and to provide a copy once adopted.

Roma minority. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to the Strategy for the Inclusion of Romanian citizens belonging to the Roma Minority 2012–2020 as well as to axes 4 and 5 of the HCOP, which focus on reducing social exclusion. The Government indicates that the National Agency for Employment is responsible for implementing measures taken to attain the employment objectives, based on annual employment programs. Measures taken include the provision of information on employment services in communities with large numbers of Roma, allocation of territorial budgets, job exchanges and development of collaboration with Roma representatives. The Committee notes that the Government exceeded its target of providing employment to 5,385 members of the Roma community in 2015, with 6,295 Roma being placed in employment; however, the targets set for 2016 and 2017 were not fully achieved. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated detailed information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex and age, on the nature and impact of the measures taken to promote access to lasting employment and decent work for members of the Roma community.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and implementation of policies. The Committee previously requested the Government to provide specific examples of how the social partners are effectively consulted and participate in decision making on the matters covered by the Convention. In this respect, the Committee notes the Government’s reference to the development of the Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan, indicating that the social partners were consulted during this process. The Government also indicates that social partners and non-governmental organizations play an important role in the implementation of various programmes and projects related to employment, promotion of youth-related initiatives, training ventures, job placement, apprenticeship and traineeship programmes. The Committee further notes that the National Employment Program, developed each year by the National Agency for Employment since 2002, is formulated on the basis of proposals from the county employment agencies and the Bucharest Municipality Agency, taking into account the economic and social situation at the territorial level and the strategic targets in the programmatic documents adopted at national level. The Government indicates that the National Employment Program targets specific groups that encounter difficulty in accessing the labour market, such as members of the Roma community, persons with disabilities, young persons covered by the child protection system, foreigners, refugees and beneficiaries of other forms of international protection, persons who have executed custodial sentences and victims of trafficking. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the manner in which the social partners are effectively consulted and participate in the development of the National Employment Programme each year. It also requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that these consultations include representatives of other segments of the economically active population, including representatives of the Roma community, persons with disabilities, women and young persons, as well as of persons working in informal economy.

The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.

CMNT_TITLE

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

Education and training policies. The Government indicates in its report that, in order to improve the vocational skills of the labour force, as a result of the implementation of the programmes of continuous vocational training (CVT) for jobseekers financed by Unemployment Insurance Budget, 91,670 persons participated in training courses, out of which 33,933 persons were employed. Complementary, the European Social Fund provided funding to improve the workers’ adaptability. By March 2013, according to the data reported by the beneficiaries, 154,832 workers participated in CVT programmes, out of which 89,686 were women. Moreover, through the 2014 National Vocational Training Plan, the National Agency for Employment envisaged to include 44,292 people into vocational training programmes. Following the implementation of the Plan, 40,265 people participated in vocational training programmes in 2014. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information of the impact of its education and training policies and programmes in terms of job opportunities created for the unemployed, young persons, the Roma minority and other vulnerable workers.

Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises. The Committee notes that, in 2014, following the granting of consulting and assistance to start an independent activity or to start-up a business, 135 people (among which were 64 women, 17 young people below 25 years old, four persons from urban areas) initiated such an activity, that is 12.61 per cent of the people who benefited from these specialized services (1,071 people). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures undertaken to support the creation of small and medium-sized enterprises and on their impact in terms of stimulating employment.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments initially made in 2015.

Repetition

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Employment trends and active labour market policies. The Government indicates in its report that, taking into account the fact that the number of jobs created by the Romanian economy remains low, due to the economic crisis and restructuring, the most affected population categories are the ones situated at the extremes of the labour market, that is, young people and elderly workers. The Committee notes that the National Strategy for Employment 2014–20 includes specific objectives and directions of action, such as increasing youth employment and extending the working life of the elderly, by reducing youth unemployment and the number of NEET young people (not in employment, education or training) and increasing labour market participation of the elderly. With an employment rate for older workers of 43.1 per cent in 2014 (Romania is situated below the EU-28 average), the inclusion of this category is being hampered by a number of barriers from the perspective of workers, such as uncorrelated skills with actual requirements, but also from the perspective of employers (low productivity of the workforce, resistance to change, reduced adaptability). The Government indicates that, without the participation of older workers, there will be a deficit of human and professional resources. Moreover, facing the perspective of the working-age population decline, the Government states that an increasing rate of women in employment appears to be essential in achieving the national objective in employment established in the context of the Europe 2020 Strategy. With regard to women’s participation in the labour market, registering an employment rate of 16.7 percentage points lower than the rate of men in 2014, the Government indicates that women are situated in a vulnerable position in the Romanian labour market. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact and effectiveness of its employment policy measures in terms of productive job creation, in particular for the most vulnerable workers.

Youth employment. The Committee notes that, according to EUROSTAT, the youth unemployment rate was measured at 23.7 per cent in 2013 and 24 per cent in 2014. The Government indicates that, in 2012, the Ministry of Labour elaborated the 2013 national plan to stimulate youth employment. Measures in the plan focused on implementing youth guarantee type programmes, improving the entrepreneurial culture among youth and in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), developing, as well as adapting education and vocational training to the labour market demands. With regard to the integration of young people into the labour market, the Government indicates that the consolidated State Budget financed programmes dedicated to improve youth entrepreneurial skills and the set-up of micro-enterprises by young entrepreneurs. In this regard, 8,000 new jobs were created and young entrepreneurs set up 464 start-ups. At the beginning of 2014, the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Protection and Elderly launched the Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan 2014–15, a policy framework document developed by the Ministry of Labour in cooperation with other relevant stakeholders. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the impact of the measures taken to facilitate lasting employment opportunities for young people.

The Roma minority. The Committee notes the Government’s statement indicating that the Roma population faces special problems, generated by the low level of education, a low participation on the labour market, the large category of persons not engaged in economic activities which includes homemakers, retirees, persons incapable of work, welfare beneficiaries and unemployed people. In line with EU recommendations, in early 2013 the review of the Governmental Strategy for inclusion of Romanian citizens of Roma minority for the period 2012–20 was initiated. The Committee notes the results of measures implemented targeting the Roma minority in 2012–14. In this regard, 5,302 jobseekers of the Roma minority obtained employment through active employment measures in 2014 (3,023 employment contracts of an indefinite duration and 2,279 fixed-term contracts). The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed information on the impact of the measures taken to enhance the social inclusion and increase employment opportunities of the Roma minority.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and implementation of policies. The Government indicates that, in the context of the reform of the social dialogue legislation, the Law on organizing the Economic and Social Council was adopted in March 2013. The Committee requests the Government to provide specific examples of how the social partners are effectively consulted and participate in decision-making on the matters covered by the Convention. Please also include information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that these consultations include representatives of other sectors of the active population, particularly representatives of the Roma minority and of persons working in the rural sector and the informal economy.

The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

CMNT_TITLE

Education and training policies. The Government indicates in its report that, in order to improve the vocational skills of the labour force, as a result of the implementation of the programmes of continuous vocational training (CVT) for jobseekers financed by Unemployment Insurance Budget, 91,670 persons participated in training courses, out of which 33,933 persons were employed. Complementary, the European Social Fund provided funding to improve the workers’ adaptability. By March 2013, according to the data reported by the beneficiaries, 154,832 workers participated in CVT programmes, out of which 89,686 were women. Moreover, through the 2014 National Vocational Training Plan, the National Agency for Employment envisaged to include 44,292 people into vocational training programmes. Following the implementation of the Plan, 40,265 people participated in vocational training programmes in 2014. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information of the impact of its education and training policies and programmes in terms of job opportunities created for the unemployed, young persons, the Roma minority and other vulnerable workers.

Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises. The Committee notes that, in 2014, following the granting of consulting and assistance to start an independent activity or to start-up a business, 135 people (among which were 64 women, 17 young people below 25 years old, four persons from urban areas) initiated such an activity, that is 12.61 per cent of the people who benefited from these specialized services (1,071 people). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures undertaken to support the creation of small and medium-sized enterprises and on their impact in terms of stimulating employment.

CMNT_TITLE

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Employment trends and active labour market policies. The Government indicates in its report that, taking into account the fact that the number of jobs created by the Romanian economy remains low, due to the economic crisis and restructuring, the most affected population categories are the ones situated at the extremes of the labour market, that is, young people and elderly workers. The Committee notes that the National Strategy for Employment 2014–20 includes specific objectives and directions of action, such as increasing youth employment and extending the working life of the elderly, by reducing youth unemployment and the number of NEET young people (not in employment, education or training) and increasing labour market participation of the elderly. With an employment rate for older workers of 43.1 per cent in 2014 (Romania is situated below the EU-28 average), the inclusion of this category is being hampered by a number of barriers from the perspective of workers, such as uncorrelated skills with actual requirements, but also from the perspective of employers (low productivity of the workforce, resistance to change, reduced adaptability). The Government indicates that, without the participation of older workers, there will be a deficit of human and professional resources. Moreover, facing the perspective of the working-age population decline, the Government states that an increasing rate of women in employment appears to be essential in achieving the national objective in employment established in the context of the Europe 2020 Strategy. With regard to women’s participation in the labour market, registering an employment rate of 16.7 percentage points lower than the rate of men in 2014, the Government indicates that women are situated in a vulnerable position in the Romanian labour market. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact and effectiveness of its employment policy measures in terms of productive job creation, in particular for the most vulnerable workers.

Youth employment. The Committee notes that, according to EUROSTAT, the youth unemployment rate was measured at 23.7 per cent in 2013 and 24 per cent in 2014. The Government indicates that, in 2012, the Ministry of Labour elaborated the 2013 national plan to stimulate youth employment. Measures in the plan focused on implementing youth guarantee type programmes, improving the entrepreneurial culture among youth and in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), developing, as well as adapting education and vocational training to the labour market demands. With regard to the integration of young people into the labour market, the Government indicates that the consolidated State Budget financed programmes dedicated to improve youth entrepreneurial skills and the set-up of micro-enterprises by young entrepreneurs. In this regard, 8,000 new jobs were created and young entrepreneurs set up 464 start-ups. At the beginning of 2014, the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Protection and Elderly launched the Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan 2014–15, a policy framework document developed by the Ministry of Labour in cooperation with other relevant stakeholders. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the impact of the measures taken to facilitate lasting employment opportunities for young people.

The Roma minority. The Committee notes the Government’s statement indicating that the Roma population faces special problems, generated by the low level of education, a low participation on the labour market, the large category of persons not engaged in economic activities which includes homemakers, retirees, persons incapable of work, welfare beneficiaries and unemployed people. In line with EU recommendations, in early 2013 the review of the Governmental Strategy for inclusion of Romanian citizens of Roma minority for the period 2012–20 was initiated. The Committee notes the results of measures implemented targeting the Roma minority in 2012–14. In this regard, 5,302 jobseekers of the Roma minority obtained employment through active employment measures in 2014 (3,023 employment contracts of an indefinite duration and 2,279 fixed-term contracts). The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed information on the impact of the measures taken to enhance the social inclusion and increase employment opportunities of the Roma minority.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and implementation of policies. The Government indicates that, in the context of the reform of the social dialogue legislation, the Law on organizing the Economic and Social Council was adopted in March 2013. The Committee requests the Government to provide specific examples of how the social partners are effectively consulted and participate in decision-making on the matters covered by the Convention. Please also include information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that these consultations include representatives of other sectors of the active population, particularly representatives of the Roma minority and of persons working in the rural sector and the informal economy.

The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.

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Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Employment trends and active labour market policies. The Committee takes note of the detailed statistics supplied in the Government’s report received in August 2012 in reply to points raised in the 2011 observation. The Government indicates that in 2011, Romania’s active population stood at an estimated 9,868,000 persons, of whom 9,138,000 were employed and 730,000 unemployed; the recorded average employment rate dropped from 7.6 per cent in 2010 to 5.38 per cent in 2011, falling to 5.05 per cent in March 2012. The Government is of the view that unemployment among persons over 45 years of age and among single persons with dependent children remains one of the most acute labour market problems. Through the employment programme implemented by the National Employment Agency (ANE), 377,772 persons found employment in 2011. Furthermore, most of the objectives set by the National Employment Programme for 2011 appear to have been met. The Government indicates that the ANE has implemented projects financed by the sectoral operations programme for the development of human resources (POSDRH 2007–13) in order to anticipate changes in the labour market and consolidate the capacity of the public employment services at national and local level. The National Reform Programme 2011–13 (PNA 2011–13) includes among the key priorities for attaining national employment objectives, the improvement of the operation of the labour market by facilitating the transition from unemployment or inactivity to employment, the enhancement of workers’ skills, the improvement of the quality of employment of persons in rural areas, young people and women. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information on the attainment of the objectives of the 2011–13 employment programme. It hopes that the next report will also contain an evaluation of the measures taken under the economic and financial policy in terms of sustainable growth and productive employment.

Categories of vulnerable workers. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government on the results obtained in 2011 following the implementation of specific employment subsidization measures. Of the 324,000 persons employed under such measures, 13,420 were unemployed persons over 45 years of age, 1,230 were sole breadwinners of single-parent families, 315 were three years away from retirement and 250 were persons with disabilities. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report up-to-date information on the measures designed to improve the employability of vulnerable workers and on the results obtained in terms of sustainable integration in the labour market.

Youth employment. The Government indicates that in 2011, the unemployment rate among young people (15–24 years) was 23.8 per cent and that the incidence of long-term unemployment among young people was some 63.4 per cent. The Committee notes the amendments introduced to Act No. 279/2005 by Act No. 06/2011, such as the abolition of the obligation on employers to obtain authorization and the master craftsman’s certificate, the determination of the minimum and maximum length of apprenticeship contracts in workplaces, the obligation on the employer to organize an evaluation of the apprentice’s theoretical and practical training, and the linkage between the length of the apprenticeship contract and the level of skill acquired. The purpose of these amendments is to remove obstacles to access to employment, for unskilled young people among others. Furthermore, according to the information supplied by the Government on the results of the ANE’s employment programme as they pertain to young people: in 2011, 73,113 of them were engaged in employment; this was also the case for 3,813 long-term unemployed and 94 graduates aged 18 or more from social establishments. The Committee invites the Government in its next report to provide up-to-date information allowing it to assess the impact of the measures taken to facilitate lasting employment opportunities for young people.

The Roma minority. In its previous comments the Committee pointed out that social exclusion is harmful to those directly affected and breeds negative social consequences across generations (General Survey concerning employment instruments, 2010, paragraphs 554 and 566). In its report, the Government states that actions to secure the social and economic integration of persons belonging to the Roma community are ongoing, provided for in the 2001–10 National Strategy to improve the status of the Roma. The implementation of the aforementioned programme resulted in the hiring of 2,250 persons in 2011. Furthermore, 64 persons found jobs in the course of 2011 thanks to the employment exchange organized for persons belonging to the Roma community. The Committee notes that the results of the ANE’s National Employment Programme for the Roma appear to be lower in 2011 than in 2010. The Government’s report states that 6,696 Roma found employment in 2010 as compared to 5,760 in 2011. In view of the progress still to be made in promoting the inclusion of the Roma minority into the labour market, the Committee invites the Government to provide detailed information in its next report on measures designed to enhance the social cohesion of the Roma minority.

Education and training policies. The Government’s report refers to continuous training programmes financed out of the unemployment insurance budget, thanks to which, in the period from 1 January 2011 to 31 January 2012, 50,155 persons received vocational training with a view to employment, of whom 17,850 were hired. The report also refers to the priorities set in the POSDRH 2007–13, which include improving the adaptability of the workforce and enterprises and the promotion of active employment measures. In its observation of 2010, the Committee observed that very few newly employed young workers and long-term unemployed persons (young persons as well as adults) had obtained employment as a result of their participation in vocational training programmes. The Committee invites the Government to provide detailed information of the measures taken under the POSDRH 2007–13, particularly measures to enhance the quality and relevance of the education and training provided. It again invites the Government to provide information on the impact of the training programmes in terms of job opportunities created for the unemployed, young persons, the Roma minority and other categories of vulnerable workers.

Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises. In reply to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government states that in 2011, 50 persons found employment due to loans granted to small and medium-sized enterprises for the purpose of creating jobs, and a further 710 persons started businesses thanks to the guidance and assistance services provided to engage in self-employed activities or to start a new business. The Committee invites the Government to include information on the continuation of the measures undertaken to support the creation of small and medium-sized enterprises and on their impact in terms of stimulating employment.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and implementation of policies. The Government states that Act No. 62 of 10 May 2011 on social dialogue provides that the social partners are to be consulted on draft legislation and on other economic and social activities. The Committee invites the Government in its next report to provide specific examples of how the Act on social dialogue has allowed the social partners to be effectively consulted and to participate in decision-making on the matters covered by the Convention. Please also include information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that these consultations include representatives of other sectors of the active population, particularly representatives of the Roma minority and of persons working in the rural sector and the informal economy.

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Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Employment trends and active labour market policies. The Committee notes the detailed statistical data provided in the Government’s report received in August 2010. The Government indicates that, due to the effects of the economic and financial crisis, the unemployment rate increased significantly and rapidly from 4 per cent in 2008 to 6.3 per cent in 2009. As a result, 572,974 persons were unemployed in 2009 compared to 362,429 persons in 2008. In the first trimester of 2010, the unemployment rate reached 8.2 per cent (756,214 persons unemployed). The Government indicates that the Programme for Employment 2008–10 has been launched, which among its general objectives entails labour market flexibility, an employment rate increase and the promotion of social inclusion. Specific objectives of the programme include: combating effects of unemployment, inclusion of disadvantaged groups in the labour market, increasing the adaptability of workers to labour market needs and ensuring non-discrimination in the labour market. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the impact of the Programme for Employment 2008–10 on ensuring the objectives of the Convention. It also invites the Government to include an evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of policies and measures adopted, especially in the crisis context, for promoting full employment and how they will translate into productive and lasting employment for the unemployed and other categories of vulnerable workers.

Vulnerable categories of workers. The Government indicates that including disadvantaged groups and ensuring non-discrimination in the labour market are amongst the Programme for Employment 2008–10 objectives. Data provided by the Government regarding results of the Programme for Employment 2008–10, shows that the third most common category of employed individuals were persons with disabilities (1,061 persons employed in 2008, 582 in 2009 and 164 in 2010). Approximately 25 per cent of persons with disabilities were employed by enterprises which benefited from subsidies for employing this category of workers. The Government also provides statistics on other vulnerable categories such as older workers, unemployed heads of households and socially marginalized groups employed by enterprises which received subsidies or as a result of their participation in job fairs specifically designed for vulnerable categories of workers. The Committee would appreciate continuing to receive information on the results achieved with respect to the sustainable integration of vulnerable categories of workers, such as persons with disabilities and older workers, into the open labour market.

Youth employment. The Government indicates that, in the framework of the implementation of the National Programme for Employment 2008–10, young persons had the highest employment rate among all target groups. Young graduates (generally having completed higher education) accounted for 1.5 per cent of the total number of persons employed as a result of financial incentives to enterprises that support student employment. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the impact of measures designed to increase opportunities for young people to find lasting employment, in particular those experiencing the highest level of multiple disadvantage, e.g. coming from poor households, with low levels of education and being socially excluded.

The Roma minority. The Government indicates that, in the framework of the Programme for Employment 2008–10, 6,686 individuals belonging to the Roma minority (3,660 persons in 2008, 2,322 in 2009 and 704 in 2010) obtained employment through the subsidized programme for temporary employment in community services. As a consequence of orientation and guidance services, 3,009 Romas were employed in 2008, 1,274 in 2009 and 431 in 2010. As a result of their participation in job fairs specifically designed for individuals belonging to the Roma minority, 683 Romas obtained employment in 2008 and 113 in 2009. In its 2010 General Survey concerning employment instruments, the Committee noted that active labour market policies now occupy centre stage in employment policies among industrialized countries. They are now deployed to achieve multiple objectives: to increase the employed labour force and thereby reduce dependence on unemployment benefits and other forms of social support, to increase social cohesion (or reduce social exclusion) and to ensure greater equality of opportunities in the world of work. The Committee observed that social exclusion is harmful to those directly affected and breeds negative social consequences across generations (paragraphs 554 and 566 of the General Survey). On this important issue, the Committee asks the Government to report in detail on the impact of the action taken within the framework of active employment policies and measures to increase social cohesion of the Roma minority.

Education and training policies. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the main objective of the strategy for continuing vocational training 2005–10 was to raise the participation rate in education and training programmes for the working population in the 25–64 age group to 7 per cent. It noted that adult participation in education and training was still low. The Committee notes that only about 5 per cent of newly employed young workers and approximately 10 per cent of the long-term unemployed (including young persons and adults) obtained employment as a result of their participation in vocational training programmes. The Committee requests the Government to include in its next report information on the impact of the measures adopted in collaboration with the social partners to enhance the quality and labour market relevance of the education and training system. It again requests the Government to supply information on the impact of training programmes on creating job opportunities for the unemployed, young persons, the Roma and other categories of vulnerable workers.

Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises. The Committee noted that the national legislation for small and medium-sized enterprises was in line with the provisions of the Job Creation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189). The Government indicates that 458 persons were employed between 2008 and the first trimester of 2010 by small and medium-sized enterprises which received subsidies for creating employment. Furthermore, 593 individuals in 2008, 869 in 2009 and 168 in 2010, started businesses as a result of orientation and guidance services for self-employment and entrepreneurship. The Committee invites the Government to continue to supply information on the sustainable impact of the measures adopted with a view to supporting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises for employment creation.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Committee previously noted the Government’s information that under the existing legal framework, the social partners are to be consulted on the preparation of bills, strategies, policies and programmes for employment and human resources development issues through the National Commission for Employment Promotion, the governing body of the National Employment Agency and the National Council for Adult Vocational Training and its sectoral committees. Furthermore, a National Observatory for Employment and Vocational Training was set up within the Ministry of Labour to foster cooperation between social partners, public institutions, universities and professional associations in the collection and analysis of labour market information. The Committee invites the Government to supply information on consultations held with the social partners, including concrete examples on the manner in which the views of the social partners are sufficiently taken into account in the development, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes.

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The Committee notes the statistical data on the implementation of active labour market policy measures provided in the Government’s report received in August 2008 in reply to its 2007 direct request. The Committee also notes the Government’s reply to the questionnaire concerning the General Survey on employment (2010) received in May 2009 and the information supplemented by the ILO employment specialists in the field.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Employment trends and active labour market policies. The Government indicates that significant progress was made in 2007 and 2008 as the number of employed persons rose considerably. In 2007, 506,804 unemployed workers were placed by the National Employment Agency through the implementation of its Programme for Employment 2004–08. This positive trend appeared to be confirmed by the results registered during the first quarter of 2008 when 130,911 persons were placed. The Committee notes that over the reporting period, the country experienced economic growth with no relevant improvements in the employment rate, which remained below 60 per cent. The Committee further notes that, under the National Reform Programme 2007–10, the Government intends to continue its efforts to improve employment levels and to diminish unemployment through an integrated approach based on coordination between employment, education and training, and social inclusion policies. Under the National Reform Programme, special focus has been placed on the most vulnerable categories of workers (young persons, long-term unemployed, persons with disabilities and individuals belonging to Roma minorities) and incentives for employers to support in-house training programmes. From the data received, it appears that a relevant percentage of the jobs created as a result of the implementation of active labour market policies might concern short-term placements. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the results achieved through the implementation of the measures taken under the National Reform Programme 2007–10 as far as employment promotion is concerned, particularly as to whether the workers placed through active employment programmes implemented by the National Employment Agency are enjoying lasting and productive employment.

2. Education and training policies. The Government indicates that vocational training represents the most relevant measure for employment promotion as diversification of skills allows the labour force to adapt to current and future labour market demands. Under the national plan for vocational training formulated annually by the National Employment Agency, 55,150 persons were expected to benefit from training programmes in 2008. The Committee notes that the main objective of the strategy for continuing vocational training 2005–10, elaborated in collaboration with the social partners, is to raise the participation rate in education and training programmes for the working population in the   25–64 age group to 7 per cent. In this connection, the Committee notes that adult participation in education and training is still low. It further notes that, on the basis of the information provided on job placements during the reporting period, less than 10 per cent of the newly employed young workers and less than 7 per cent of the long-term unemployed, found a job as a result of their participation in vocational training programmes. The Committee invites the Government to continue providing information concerning training programmes for the unemployed and other categories of vulnerable workers. It invites the Government to include information on measures envisaged or adopted in collaboration with the social partners in order to enhance the quality and labour market relevance of the education and training system.

3. Youth employment. The Committee notes that the youth unemployment rate has remained persistently above 20 per cent since 2002. Young persons lack basic skills, as weaknesses persist in the education system and active labour market policies lack effectiveness. The Government indicates that the National Employment Agency has focused its action on the insertion of disadvantaged groups into the labour market with particular attention to low-skilled young persons by providing training opportunities as well as vocational career information and guidance. Financial incentives have been provided to employers to support the employment of students during school holidays. The Committee invites the Government to continue providing information on the impact of the measures designed to facilitate the transition of young persons into employment and to combat youth unemployment.

4. Persons with disabilities. The Government refers to a new bill concerning the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities enacted in 2006. The Committee notes that a project concerning the creation of career orientation services for persons with disabilities, based on funds provided by the World Bank, has led to the establishment, by the National Employment Agency, of eight pilot orientation centres at the departmental level. The creation of 12 other centres was approved in 2007. The Committee would appreciate continuing to receive information on the results achieved in respect of the integration of persons with disabilities into the open labour market.

5. Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises. The Government has envisaged, under the National Reform Programme 2007–10, the adoption of a set of measures aimed at increasing the participation rate of small and medium-sized enterprises in public procurement, facilitating their access to credit, reducing administrative barriers to their creation, and developing training programmes to enhance entrepreneurial capacities of young persons and women. The Committee notes with interest that the national legislation for small and medium-sized enterprises has been harmonized with the provisions of the Job Creation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189). The Committee invites the Government to supply further information in its next report on the results of the measures adopted with a view to supporting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises for employment creation.

6. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Government recalls that, under the existing legal framework, the social partners are to be consulted on the preparation of bills, strategies, policies and programmes on employment and human resources development issues, through a number of tripartite bodies: the National Commission for Employment Promotion, the governing body of the National Employment Agency, as well as the National Council for Adult Vocational Training and its sectoral committees. Furthermore, a National Observatory for Employment and Vocational Training has been set up within the Ministry of Labour to foster cooperation between the social partners, public institutions, universities and professional associations in the collection and analysis of labour market information. The development of public and private partnerships between institutions operating in the field of employment and vocational training is also encouraged under the new statutes of the National Employment Agency, approved in 2006. The Committee would welcome receiving further information in the Government’s next report on the consultations held with the social partners, including concrete examples on the manner in which the views of the social partners, including of representatives of those working in the rural sector and the informal economy, are sufficiently taken into account in the development, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes.

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The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report for the period ending in May 2006 addressing in detail the issues raised in the 2005 observation.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Employment trends and active labour market policies. The Government’s report indicates that the unemployment rate was 8.5 per cent for the first quarter of 2005 as compared to 8.8 per cent in 2004. Statistics provided by Eurostat indicate that the unemployment rate was 7.8 per cent in March 2007. The economy is still marked by a large agricultural sector, employing 31.6 per cent of total workers in 2004, but the service sector has now become the leading one. Pursuant to the National Employment Strategy, the Government intends to increase employment levels and to adapt the labour force to current and future labour market needs through the implementation of active labour market measures. Improved labour market outcomes seem to have been achieved as a result of economic recovery in terms of efficiency, but also as a result of active labour market policies, which led to the integration of those workers traditionally more at risk of exclusion. In this respect, the Government provides in its report indications on the specific results achieved in placing persons with disabilities, individuals belonging to Roma minorities, young people and the long-term unemployed, during each of the three years of the implementation of the Action Plan for Employment. The Committee trusts that the Government will keep providing information on the impact of the National Employment Strategy 2004–10 on employment promotion and asks the Government to provide detailed information on the outcomes of the legislative framework interventions implemented between 2004–06, as well as more recent interventions.

2. Education and training policies. The Government indicates in its report that 28,032 persons have benefited from training programmes in 2004, 42,996 in 2005 and 50,000 were expected in 2006. The Government also indicates that active employment programmes guaranteed placement to 72 per cent of the unemployed population in 2004 and 65 per cent in 2005. The Government further indicates that the strategy for the continuing vocational training 2005–10 has been adopted and was drafted in collaboration with the social partners. The Committee asks the Government to keep providing information concerning training programmes for the unemployed and whether programme participants are enjoying lasting and productive employment. It would also like to receive information concerning measures envisaged or adopted in collaboration with the social partners in order to enhance the adaptability of the education system to labour market needs.

3. Means to promote employment for youth and other vulnerable categories of workers. The Government indicates in its report that youth unemployment reached 28.8 per cent in 2004 and describes the problem as a lack of coordination between the education system and labour market needs. Older persons close to retirement age and the long-term unemployed also face difficulties reintegrating into the labour market. Emergency Ordinance No. 65/2005 has promoted the employment of graduates and older workers by offering tax incentives to employers. The Government further indicates that the National Employment Agency launched a greater number of job fairs each year, both general ones at the national level and specific ones at local levels, for disadvantaged groups such as for the youth, persons with disabilities and members of the Roma minority. In August 2005, a “Caravan for Roma ethnics’ employment” was organized in over 200 communities. The Committee asks the Government to provide in its next report detailed information on the impact attained by the measures designed to encourage and support employment levels of vulnerable categories of workers such as younger workers, older workers, persons with disabilities and members of the Roma minority.

4. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Government indicates that it has held consultations with the social partners during the formulation of employment policy measures. The Government also indicates that the tripartite structure of the National Employment Agency assures permanent consultations with the social partners in regard to the elaboration of annual employment and training plans and the implementation of employment policies. The Committee recalls that the Convention asks Governments to ensure that the opinions of workers and employers organizations as well as other interested groups are to be consulted “with a view to taking fully into account their experience and views”. It asks the Government to provide in its next report concrete examples on the manner in which the views of the social partners, including of representatives of those working in the rural sector and the informal economy, are taken sufficiently into account in the development, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes.

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The Committee takes note of the detailed information contained in the Government’s report received in August 2004. It also notes the observations made by the World Confederation of Labour and Cartel Alfa and the Government’s reply received in January 2004.

1. Integration of an active employment policy with economic and social policy. The Committee notes that the survey of the active population places overall unemployment at 6.6 per cent in 2003, which was lower than in previous years. For some groups of workers, the risk of being unemployed is, however, substantially higher as the unemployment rate for the age group 15-24 is 18.7 per cent. Also, the share of long-term unemployed is increasing, amounting to almost two-thirds of the total unemployed population. The members of the Rom minority, almost three-quarters of whom live below the poverty line, are especially affected. Furthermore, although the regional disparity of unemployment has been reduced, it still remains relatively high. The Government indicates that the National Action Plan for Employment for the period 2004-05 was adopted and the National Employment Strategy 2004-06 was approved in August 2004. The Government also indicates that its objective is to increase the employment rate, to enhance the quality of labour, to increase productivity and income, to improve social cohesion and to fight against discrimination in the labour market. The new legislative framework (on minimum wages, on combating marginalization, on employment promotion and unemployment benefits) combines measures for social security and welfare. The Committee recalls that success in employment creation is linked to the successful coordination of macroeconomic policies as well as structural policies. It therefore asks the Government to report on how employment policy measures are reviewed regularly within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. In particular, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the results and progress achieved with the implementation of the measures envisaged by the Plan for Employment and the National Employment Strategy, including information on the employment situation of socially vulnerable groups such as young persons, women jobseekers, and workers of Rom origin. The Committee further requests the Government to include in its next report disaggregated data on the level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment. Please also indicate the measures taken to reduce labour market differentials in the country (according to data provided by the Office, the unemployment rate in the Bucharest region is 2.8 per cent while in the regions of Vaslui and Huedoara it is over 11 per cent) (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention).

2. Labour market and training policies. The Government indicates that 2 per cent of the budget for the active labour market measures was allocated to training and retraining. In accordance with the provisions of the employment law, the National Employment Agency develops a yearly National Vocational Education Plan, its main objective being to increase employment by providing skills for which there is either present or future market demand. The Government indicates that in the context of this plan, a special focus has been given to disadvantaged groups. In this regard, the Committee would be grateful to be kept informed of the results of the National Plan and if the Government could indicate the measures taken to ensure that skills supply and demand do coincide. The Committee hopes that in implementing measures to provide skills to jobseekers, the Government will also take into account the instruments most directly related with Convention No. 122, such as the Human Resources Development Convention (No. 142), and Recommendation (No. 195) of 2004. The Government may consider useful to refer to the above instruments when including information in its next report on the results of the measures taken to coordinate its vocational guidance and training initiatives with the employment policy measures adopted.

3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. As concerns have been voiced by Cartel Alfa and the World Confederation of Labour in their communication of August 2004 concerning the fact that trade unions’ involvement in the design and evaluation of employment policies is insufficient, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the consultation held by the administrative council of the National Employment Agency and the National Commission for Employment Promotion. The Committee recalls that Article 3 of the Convention provides that the measures to be taken in relation to employment policy should take fully into account the experience and views of the representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations with a view to securing their full cooperation in formulating and implementing employment policies. The Committee trusts that in its next report, the Government will be able to provide further details on the efforts made to hold the consultations required by this important provision and will also indicate the manner in which the views of the representatives of persons affected by employment policy measures, including the opinions of representatives of those working in the rural sector and in the informal economy, are taken into account so as to ensure that the objectives of the Convention are being achieved.

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1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s report for the period ending September 2002. It also notes that the survey of the active population places unemployment at 6.6 per cent (in 2001). The gap between urban and rural unemployment continues to widen: in 2001, the urban unemployment rate was 11.7 per cent, compared with 2.4 per cent for rural unemployment. The unemployment rate among persons with low educational levels remains fairly limited (4 per cent, compared with 3.9 per cent for highly qualified persons in 2001). Long-term unemployment (almost half of the unemployed in 2001) remains substantial. Unemployment among young persons is three times higher than among adults. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide statistics that are as detailed as possible on the level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment. It also asks the Government if it would indicate the manner in which the data compiled are used to keep under review, within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy, the measures adopted to achieve the objectives set out in the Convention.

2. The Government indicates that since 2001 employment measures have been adopted in the context of an annual national programme setting out precise social protection objectives. This programme consists of various measures to promote employment, which are established by law. It focuses on groups experiencing difficulties in gaining access to the labour market. In 2002, the programme, as set out in Act No. 76/2002, included among its objectives reducing unemployment and its social consequences, improving the structure of employment by economic branch and geographical area, increasing labour mobility taking into account structural changes and maintaining equality of opportunity in the labour market. The national programme of action now also has the objective of raising the level of employment through the access to employment of 250,000 persons from disadvantaged categories, including young persons, the long-term unemployed, persons with disabilities, released prisoners and members of the Rom minority. The Committee would be grateful to be kept informed of the results of this policy and its programmes, and particularly the number and nature of the stable jobs to which the above categories of workers have gained access.

3. The Government states that vocational training services for adults are provided by the National Employment Agency, which has a network of  15 centres in 14 departments, five regional adult training centres, three Germano-Romanian foundations, a zonal centre for the vocational training of the young unemployed and several vocational training offices in departmental employment centres and the commune of Bucharest. The Government explains that the National Vocational Training Programme implemented by the National Employment Agency has been designed on the basis of the demand for labour, the types of vocational training available at the national and local levels and forecasts of economic and social development. During 2001, as a result of 720 vocational training courses, a total of 17,147 persons obtained jobs. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would continue providing information on the impact on employment of the activities undertaken by the National Employment Agency in the field of vocational training and, more generally, on the action carried out by the Government to coordinate education and training policies with employment prospects.

4.  Article 3. The Committee notes the information concerning the tripartite structure of the National Employment Agency. With reference to its previous requests, the Committee trusts that the Government will provide more detailed information in its next report on the arrangements made to ensure the consultation of all the representatives of the persons affected by employment policies and, in particular, representatives of workers and employers, "with a view to taking fully into account their experience and views and securing their full cooperation in formulating and enlisting support for such policies".

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The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report received in August 2000.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. The Government states that employment decreased during the reporting period, particularly in industry. The proportion of the labour force in the agricultural sector has increased from 28.2 per cent in 1990 to 37.4 per cent in 1998, due to the need for subsistence employment and a decrease in employment in industry. Registered unemployment was 11.5 per cent as of February 2000, but a labour force survey around the same time indicated unemployment at about 8.3 per cent. Unemployment increased more rapidly among men, due to industry restructuring. Employment in services grew slightly, but domestic demand remains weak due to widespread poverty. Youth unemployment decreased. The number of independent workers and unpaid family workers has grown. About 2.9 per cent of formal sector workers are underemployed, with the bulk of underemployment among youth and workers in rural areas. Of those in receipt of unemployment benefits, 53 per cent are long-term unemployed. The bulk of long-term unemployed are manual workers with only a primary education.

2. The Committee notes the Government’s intention to set a National Action Plan for employment promotion, based on the European Union guidelines for employment promotion, and is receiving technical and financial assistance from Germany and the Netherlands. To stimulate job creation in small and medium sized enterprises, the Government provides credit to those with a workforce of at least 50 per cent recently unemployed workers. The Government states that this programme has stimulated some job creation, but there are problems that still need to be addressed. The Government invests in the industrial, agricultural, transport, and energy sectors, and has implemented measures to prevent lay-offs in mining industries, and to aid laid-off workers. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate in its next report whether special difficulties have been encountered in attaining the employment objectives established in these plans and programmes.

3. To promote employment of youth, the Government provides wage subsidies for the first 12 months of employment or 18 months in the case of youth with disabilities. In 1997 there were 32,625 participants in subsidized employment, and in 1999 there were 17,600 participants. In order to promote employment of people with disabilities, firms employing more than 100 workers are required to ensure that 4 per cent of their workforce are people with disabilities. Please provide further details on the success of these programmes in promoting lasting employment for youth and workers with disabilities.

4. The Government also states that equality of opportunity between men and women is a priority, and has set up an International Consultative Commission on Equality Issues (CODES). Please provide further information on the outcome of the work of the International Consultative Commission pertaining to equality of opportunity in employment.

5. The Government states that training for unemployed persons is guaranteed by law, and six regional centres for adult vocational training are being established. The Government states that the current evidence shows that training courses help people to find jobs. Please continue to supply information on the number of participants, the nature of the training received, and what percentage of participants obtained employment as a result.

6. The Government states that large regional differences remain in the rate of employment and unemployment, with a high concentration of unemployed people in rural areas. The Government has created eight development regions and is working to combat rural poverty. It also periodically organizes employment forums in areas with high unemployment, but the placement rate for these forums is poor. The Committee notes this information and would appreciate receiving further information on policies and programmes aimed at promoting more balanced regional development and stimulating job creation in rural areas. Please provide further information on trends in regional development, and on the outcome of measures to promote employment in rural areas.

7. Article 2. The Committee notes that the Government aims to improve its labour market statistics and is in the process of establishing a monitoring system for policies and programmes that will include disaggregated data. Please continue to provide information on progress made in this respect.

8. Article 3. The Government indicates in its report that consultations occur through the National Council for Adult Vocational Training, the National Agency for Employment and Vocational Training, the Commission on Social Dialogue, and the Economic and Social Council. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on how the views of these bodies are taken into account in formulating and evaluating employment policies and programmes. In the light of the disproportionately high unemployment in rural areas, the Committee would appreciate receiving in the Government’s next report specific information on how representatives of workers in the rural sector are consulted.

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1. The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending in June 1998. It notes the two major objectives of the Government's programme, namely to maintain a limited number of unemployed so as to avoid any social dysfunction and to create incentives for employers to stimulate employment. According to the information supplied in the Government's report, unemployment stands at 8 per cent (1998). The Committee recalls that the essential goal of the Convention is to declare and pursue an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment (Article 1 of the Convention). The Committee would be grateful if the Government would state, as requested in the report form, whether special difficulties have been encountered in attaining these objectives and those of the Government's programme, and to indicate how far such difficulties have been overcome. The Committee requests that the Government also indicate the way in which decisions taken on general economic policy are guaranteed to make an effective contribution to the pursuit of the aims of the Convention (Article 2).

2. The Committee notes that, as a result of the economic reform process, a short-term programme of social protection measures has been established for workers laid off as a result of restructuring and privatization. It trusts that in its next report the Government will indicate the results obtained by the measures designed to find lasting employment for workers affected by structural changes. The Committee asks that the Government continue to provide information on the situation, level and trends of employment as they affect other disadvantaged groups of workers such as women, young people and the long-term unemployed, and in general on employment trends in the various "judets" and in Bucharest.

3. The Government states in its report that advantages are granted to small and medium-sized enterprises applying for loans with a view to creating new jobs for the unemployed. The Committee recalls that in June 1998 the Conference adopted the Job Creation in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Recommendation (No. 189). The Government may find it useful to consult its provisions as a source of guidance for action.

4. The Committee notes the Government's statement that technical and vocational training constitutes a national interest priority and is ensured by law. It asks the Government in its next report to continue to address issues related to the coordination of education and training policies with employment policy, as an essential means of enabling all workers to acquire the necessary skills to obtain suitable employment in which they can make the best use of their skills and capabilities.

5. Article 3. The Committee notes that a National Agency for Employment and Vocational Training, established by Act No. 143/1998, will be operational as from 1 January 1999. It also notes that the agency will be managed by a governing board made up of an equal number of representatives of employers' and workers' organizations. The Committee refers to its comments of this year and of the past several years on the application of the Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88). It hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide information in its next report on the measures taken within the governing board of the agency concerning consultations on employment policy. The Committee recalls once again that the consultations required under Article 3 of the Convention should not be confined to labour market policy management but should cover all aspects of economic and social policy which have a bearing on employment.

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The Committee took note of the Government's report and of the information which it contains in response to the previous request, together with extracts from the Romania Human Development Report attached to it. With reference to its previous requests, the Committee observes, however, that the information provided does not enable it to assess fully the way in which effect is given to the provisions of the Convention. It would be grateful if the Government would provide, in its next report, complete information in response to the questions in the report form. In this regard, the Committee recalls that the preparation of a complete report on the Convention may require the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to consult other ministries or bodies concerned with employment policy, and it requests the Government to indicate the provisions made for this purpose. In addition, please provide information on the following points.

1. The Committee notes the general statistics which indicate a significant reduction in the rate of registered unemployment from 10.9 per cent in 1994 to 7.7 per cent in the second quarter of 1996. It observes, however, that by itself the data do not enable it to conclude that the employment situation in the country has improved. In this regard, the Committee notes that a system of employment information should soon enable more detailed statistics to be collected on the number of people becoming unemployed and of those finding jobs. It can only emphasize the need to have available detailed information on the level of and trends in labour force participation, employment, unemployment and underemployment, as a basis for the decisions to be taken on employment policy. The Committee hopes that the measures taken for this purpose will enable the Government to provide, in its next report, more detailed data on employment, underemployment and unemployment by sex, age and activity sector.

2. The Committee notes the brief information relating to the privatization process and the principles regulating the Government's activities in this area which appear in the Human Development Report. With reference to the requests it has made for several years, the Committee again asks the Government to describe the anticipated or perceived effects on employment of the implementation of privatization measures and structural reforms, and to indicate the way in which the decisions taken on general economic policy are guaranteed to make an effective contribution to the pursuit of the aims of full, productive and freely chosen employment, in accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention.

3. The Committee notes the information on the results achieved by the funding programme for the establishment of small and medium-sized enterprises, and by the subsidy mechanism for the employment of young graduates. Please continue to provide as detailed information as possible on the implementation of these programmes, by specifying to what extent they contribute to the effective and lasting integration of their beneficiaries into the labour market. Please provide information on the implementation of the programmes for the employment and vocational retraining of the disadvantaged groups referred to in the Human Development Report. Please also continue to provide information on the progress made in the area of vocational training for employment.

4. The Committee notes that the social partners are represented within the national and regional committees for the development of vocational and technical education. It observes that the project to establish a National Vocational Training Council also provides for the participation of representatives of the social partners in this body. The Committee also notes that the Bill establishing a national employment agency provides that the agency will be governed by a tripartite administrative council; in this connection, it refers to the relevant provisions of the Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88), and to its comments under that Convention. While noting with interest the projects designed to establish tripartite structures in the areas of vocational training and employment services, the Committee recalls that the consultations required under Article 3 of the Convention should not be limited to managing labour market policies but should be extended to all aspects of economic and social policy influencing employment. The Committee invites the Government to describe, in its next report, the procedures adopted or envisaged to give full effect to this important provision of the Convention.

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The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending June 1994, the information it contains in reply to the questions in the report form and the attached statistics on employment and unemployment. However, the Committee notes that the report only partially responds to the questions that it raised in its previous direct request. It requests the Government to supply full information in its next report on the application of the Convention, and particularly to provide data on the following points:

1. The statistics on employment and unemployment provided by the Government show that the increase in the unemployment rate has continued, rising from 8.8 per cent in August 1993 to 11 per cent in June 1994. According to the Government's forecasts, this rate was expected to be between 12 and 14 per cent at the end of 1994, particularly as a result of the redundancies expected in the context of restructuring measures. The Committee notes that unemployment continues to be particularly high among women and young persons under 30 years of age, who in June 1994 accounted respectively for 56.8 and 54.1 per cent of the total number of unemployed persons. It requests the Government to continue supplying statistics which are as detailed as possible on the trends of employment, underemployment and unemployment and to describe any new measure adopted to compile and analyse relevant data.

2. The Committee notes the brief information on the measures decided upon by the Government in the fields of investment, currency, income and wages. It notes in particular the launching of the so-called "massive privatization" programme, the first stage of which should cover 3,000 enterprises. The Government states that the aim of the programme, with the encouragement of foreign investors, is to create new jobs. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would describe the impact on employment of privatization and industrial restructuring measures, with an indication of the extent to which the creation of employment expected as a result of the growth of the private sector makes it possible to absorb the excess workforce. More generally, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which it is ensured that the measures adopted in the context of the macroeconomic stabilization and accelerated structural reform policy, decided upon in agreement with the International Monetary Fund, contribute to the attainment of the objectives of full, productive and freely chosen employment, in accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention.

3. The Committee notes the information concerning the implementation of active labour market policy measures. It notes the Act respecting social protection and the reintegration of the unemployed, which envisages the allocation of part of the assets of the unemployment fund for the financing of loans for the creation of small and medium-sized enterprises by the unemployed. Please indicate the number of jobs created as a result of these measures. Please also indicate the extent to which the subsidies provided to enterprises for the recruitment of young graduates lead to the lasting employment of the persons concerned. The Committee also notes the statistics provided on the activities of existing training centres, and the Government's plans for the development of vocational training for the labour market. Please supply detailed information on any new measures which are adopted for the coordination of education and training policies with prospective employment opportunities.

4. With reference to its previous request, the Committee is bound once again to regret the absence in the Government's report of any information on the manner in which representatives of the persons concerned are consulted in practice on employment policy measures, as required by Article 3 of the Convention. It trusts that the Government will supply full information in its next report on the procedures adopted to give effect to this fundamental provision of the Convention, the importance of which cannot be overemphasized by the Committee in the context of the far-reaching transformation of the labour market.

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The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending June 1992. It notes, however, that the new information supplied in this report only replies partially to the questions raised in its previous request. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply full information in its next report in reply to each of the questions set out in the report form in order to enable it to fully assess the manner in which effect is given to the provisions of the Convention. In particular, it requests the Government to refer to the following points:

1. The Committee notes the figures provided by the Government concerning employment and unemployment. Supplemented by the figures contained in its 1993 report on the application of Convention No. 88 and by the statistics published by the ILO, this information confirms the decline in the general level of employment and the rapid and continued increase in unemployment. The rate of registered unemployment, which was around 3 per cent at the end of 1991, had risen to 6.9 per cent in August 1992 and 8.8 per cent in August 1993. Around 60 per cent of the unemployed are women, and 40 per cent are young persons under 25 years of age. The information also shows that unemployment affects in particular skilled workers belonging to the most active age groups. The Committee requests the Government to supply statistics which are as detailed as possible in its next report on the level and trends of employment, underemployment and unemployment throughout the country and in the various regions, by sector of the economy, sex and age. Please describe the measures which have been taken or are envisaged to compile and analyse the appropriate statistical data.

2. The Committee notes the brief information supplied concerning the functions of the employment services and a number of measures which have been taken to combat unemployment. It would be grateful if the Government would continue to supply all available information in its next report on the number and nature of the cases dealt with by the employment services. The Committee also notes that an ILO technical cooperation project to reorganize and strengthen the employment services is currently being implemented. Please indicate the action taken as a result of this project (Part V of the report form). Please state the extent to which subsidies provided to enterprises for the recruitment of young graduates result in the lasting integration of the persons concerned in employment, and supply fuller information on the measures which have been taken or are envisaged relating to training that is adapted to the labour market. More generally, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate the manner in which education and training policies are coordinated with prospective employment opportunities. The Committee notes Act No. 1/1991 respecting social protection and the vocational reintegration of the unemployed, which was supplied at its request, and would also be grateful if the Government would supply information on the effect given to the measures which are envisaged, particularly as regards the establishment and operation of training and retraining centres (section 27 of the Act).

3. The Committee notes that the report deals almost exclusively with measures directly related to the management of the labour market. It recalls that an active employment policy in the sense of Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention presupposes that the objectives of full, productive and freely chosen employment are taken into consideration when adopting and implementing measures relating to other aspects of economic and social policy. In this respect, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply the information requested previously concerning the measures taken to organize the transition towards a market economy, particularly as regards privatization, as well as in the fields of financial and monetary policy and prices and wages policy, with an indication of the manner in which their effect on employment is taken into account.

4. The Committee regrets to note that the Government has not responded to its request for information on the effect given to Article 3 of the Convention. It is bound to emphasize the particular importance which it attaches to full effect being given to this essential provision of the Convention, particularly in a context of the far-reaching transformation of economic structures. The Committee trusts that the Government will supply full information in its next report on the procedures adopted to ensure that the representatives of the persons affected by employment policies, and in particular representatives of employers and workers, are consulted "with a view to taking fully into account their experience and views and securing their full cooperation in formulating and enlisting support for such policies".

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The Committee takes note of the Government's report for the period ending June 1990 and the indications contained in it. However, since it is unable to ascertain fully from the above indications the manner in which effect is given to the provisions of the Convention, the Committee would be grateful if in its next report the Government would provide full information in reply to each of the questions set out in the report form, with particular reference to the following points:

1. The Committee notes the figures provided by the Government concerning the overall volume of employment. It hopes that the Government will be able to provide detailed statistical data in its next report on the level and trends of employment, underemployment and unemployment, in the country as a whole and the various regions, by sector of activity, sex and age. Please supply information on the measures taken or envisaged for the collection and analysis of relevant statistical data.

2. The Government indicates that, under a centrally planned state economy, a policy of full employment led to the underutilisation of the workforce, a decline in labour productivity and the development of various forms of hidden unemployment, equivalent to the underemployment of approximately 600,000 persons in 1989. According to the Government, the reorganisation of economic activities and endeavours to make commercial enterprises efficient will lead to large-scale unemployment in the transition towards a market economy. In these circumstances, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply information on how the objective of full, productive and freely chosen employment is taken into consideration when measures are adopted and implemented to bring about the transition to a market economy through privatisation and the decentralisation of economic decisions, in areas such as fiscal and monetary policies, and prices, incomes and wages policies.

3. The Committee notes the information supplied in the report on sectoral and regional imbalances in employment and the Government's plans to remedy them. According to the Government, the depreciation of work in the agricultural sector and inadequate diversification of work in the rural environment has brought about the exodus of young people from the rural areas to the large industrial towns and has accentuated the imbalance in employment in cooperative farming where the percentage of women and older workers is now disproportionately high. Please indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure balanced regional development and to increase employment opportunities for young rural workers both in agriculture and in non-agricultural activities. Please supply information on the anticipated effects on employment of the law on land ownership. The Government indicates that it plans to promote development of the tertiary sector with a view to increasing employment opportunities there. Please indicate the measures taken for this purpose. The Government states that surveys show that in 1991 an estimated 320,000 graduates were to enter the labour market, thus adding to workers seeking jobs as a result of the economic reform. Please indicate the measures taken or envisaged to enable young graduates to hold jobs suited to their qualifications.

4. The Committee notes the indications provided by the Government concerning its labour market policy which aims to guarantee social protection for jobseekers by the payment of allowances, and to ensure their placement and retraining. In addition, the Committee has been informed that a Labour and Unemployment Department has been set up within the Ministry of Labour, to be responsible for retraining and finding employment for workers who have lost their jobs. Please supply information on the organisation and operation of employment services at the national, regional and local level. Please provide available data on the number and nature of cases dealt with by employment services. The Committee notes that the Government's workforce retraining policy consists, on the one hand, of allowing enterprises to work out their own programmes according to their needs, and on the other, of developing a network of qualification centres to enable the unemployed to find jobs rapidly. Please supply information on the training programmes implemented under this policy for retraining workers who are employed or seeking employment. Lastly, please provide information, together with a copy of the law providing for the grant of unemployment benefit, on the application of these measures particularly as they concern labour market problems and policies.

5. Please indicate the manner in which representatives of the persons affected are consulted concerning employment policies, in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention.

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The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in reply to its previous direct request. The general nature of this information makes it difficult for the Committee to evaluate the manner in which the Convention is applied in practice. The Government's report does not contain the necessary data on the situation, level and trends of employment. The Committee trusts that the Government's next report will contain detailed replies to the questions in the report form on the application of Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention. Please also refer specifically to the following aspects of employment policy.

1. The Government indicates in its report that the current stage of development of Romania requires in particular an increase in the productivity of work, in order to improve national income and living standards. It reports the difficulties experienced in achieving the objectives of the Plan, which are attributed to, among other things, external factors such as protectionist measures and the level of interest rates for the external debt, and internal, natural and structural factors, such as those of adapting national production to the requirements of the international market. Please indicate the extent to which the difficulties referred to have been overcome. Please describe the main policies pursued in the plans and programmes that are currently in force and the measures taken in the field of employment policy, in conformity with the Convention. Please refer specifically to measures designed to balance the supply and demand of labour, on both occupational and geographical levels, including measures to adjust the labour force to structural changes resulting, for example, from changes in international trade or technology.

2. The Committee notes the information supplied on Act No. 5 of 18 December 1985. It would be grateful if the Government would supply, in its next report, additional information on the practical application of this Act and on the extent to which it guarantees that work "is as productive as possible", in accordance with the objectives set out in the Convention. Please supply a copy of the text in question.

3. The Committee notes that more than 7 million workers, of whom 3 million are in the industrial sector, have undergone further vocational training programmes. It would be grateful if the Government would supply information on all measures related to vocational training, rehabilitation and retraining, together with available statistics on the number of workers trained in each sector and the groups of the population undergoing various vocational training programmes. Please also describe the measures taken or envisaged to co-ordinate education and training policies with employment prospects.