Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Antigua and Barbuda (Ratification: 2002)

Article 1 of the Convention. Employment trends and active labour market measures. The Committee notes the brief report received in September 2014 in which the Government reiterates comments made in its previous report. The Committee reiterates that ratification of the Convention creates a basic obligation on States to make an explicit formal pronouncement of their employment policy (see paragraph 26 of the 2010 General Survey concerning employment instruments). The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on measures taken to formulate and implement an active employment policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. It encourages the Government to take the necessary steps to obtain ILO technical assistance in this regard. The Committee also requests the Government to include information on how the employment measures adopted have translated into the generation of productive and lasting employment opportunities for the unemployed.

Education and vocational training. The Government indicates that the National Training Agency continues to encounter some difficulty in coordinating certification in vocational qualifications for certain trades, such as masons, carpenters and plumbers. The Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Continuing Education continues to offer vocational training to young adults. The Committee notes that the Government has requested ILO technical assistance in its report on the application of the Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142). The Committee refers to its comments on Convention No. 142 and invites the Government to provide, in its next report on this Convention, updated information on the measures taken in the area of education and training policies and on their relation to prospective employment opportunities.

Article 2. Collection and use of employment data. The Government indicates that the implementation of the labour market information system has been achieved and is currently being utilized by the Department of Labour. The Government adds that information will be communicated to the ILO as soon as it becomes available. The Committee invites the Government to provide relevant statistical information and to indicate how the information collected has been used by the Department of Labour to formulate and implement active employment policy measures.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Government indicates that it collaborates with its social partners through dialogue and seeking their input before decisions are made concerning the design and implementation of active labour market measures. The Committee reiterates its previous request and invites the Government to provide examples on the manner in which account is taken of the opinions and experiences of the representatives of employers and workers with regard to the formulation and implementation of employment policies.