Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Slovakia (Ratification: 1993)

Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention. Active labour market measures. Consultations with the social partners. The Government indicates in its report that changes in the national employment policy were introduced in 2013 to extend the competence of the Central Office of Labour, Social Affairs and Family in the implementation of regional active labour market measures with a greater involvement of the social partners. The Committee notes that, in the first quarter of 2015, the national unemployment rate reached 12.4 per cent, which is 1.7 percentage points lower than in the first quarter of 2014. The regions with the highest unemployment are Prešov (17.2 per cent) and Banská Bystrica (16.7 per cent). The Ministry of Finance has forecasted that the national unemployment rate should gradually decline to 9.7 per cent in 2018. The Committee further notes that, in the first quarter of 2015, long-term unemployment reached 60.7 per cent of total unemployment. The highest rates of long-term unemployment were found in the Trnava (72.4 per cent) and Nitra (71.1 per cent) regions. The Government indicates that long-term unemployment is addressed through the Operational Programme Human Resources for the 2014–20 period. It adds that active labour market measures supporting job creation continue to be implemented with a special focus on jobseekers belonging to disadvantaged groups (youth, the long-term unemployed, persons who have not been regularly employed for at least 12 consecutive months and persons with disabilities). In 2014, a total of 3,178 jobseekers belonging to disadvantaged groups obtained employment as a result of such measures. With respect to Article 3, the Government indicates that consultations on employment policy are held within the Economic and Social Council, adding that the social partners are involved in the elaboration of all legislative acts and programmes. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the impact of its active labour market measures, particularly in regions with the highest unemployment rates. It also requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to promote the integration of the long-term unemployed in the labour market. Please also provide more specific information on the participation of employers’ and workers’ organizations in the formulation and implementation of employment policies.

Education and vocational training. The Government indicates that the lack of connection between the education system and the needs of the labour market is one of the most acute problems of the Slovak labour market which is significantly reflected in the high rate of long-term structural unemployment. The Committee notes that, in April 2015, Act No. 61/2015 on vocational education and training entered into force which contains provisions aimed at strengthening a dual education system. Since 2014, the Central Office of Labour, Social Affairs and Family has been implementing the national project Forecasts of the Slovak Labour Market Development in the short term (2016) and medium term (2020) which has the aim of identifying future labour demands with a view to harmonizing them with education programmes. Special measures have also been adopted to support the vocational re-training of persons encountering difficulties in adapting to labour market needs. By July 2015, some 7,743 jobseekers have benefited from such measures. The Committee requests the Government to provide an evaluation of the impact of the measures adopted to ensure coordination of education and vocational training programmes with prospective employment opportunities.

Youth employment. The Committee notes that the unemployment rate of people in the 15–24 age group declined from 32.1 per cent in 2014 to 26.3 per cent in 2015. Between the end of 2013 and the first quarter of 2015, the number of registered unemployed persons under 29 years of age dropped by 11.3 per cent. It notes, however, that 55.7 per cent of young unemployed persons are long-term unemployed and close to 42.5 per cent of them have a low level of education. The Government indicates that a new plan of guarantees for young people has been incorporated into the 2014 National Reform Plan of the Slovak Republic. It also indicates that the Operational Programme Human Resources for the 2014–20 period includes strategies to support the employment of young persons of marginalized communities. Measures were also introduced at improving youth participation in apprenticeships adapted to their levels of education. In 2014, a total of 8,597 jobseekers aged 15–24 took part in apprenticeship programmes and close to 54 per cent of the participants obtained employment after completion of their apprenticeships. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures adopted to tackle youth unemployment, including long-term youth unemployment, as well as information on how such measures contribute to promote lasting employment for young persons.

Roma minority. The Government indicates that, following consultations with the social partners, measures were adopted to increase the motivation of the long-term unemployed Roma to find jobs. The Operational Programme Human Resources for the 2014–20 period includes as one of its priorities the integration of marginalized Roma communities in the labour market through educational measures. The Programme also provides support for the involvement of marginalized Roma communities in social enterprises. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the impact of the measures adopted to facilitate the integration of the Roma minority in the labour market.