Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88) - Türkiye (Ratification: 1950)

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The Committee notes the observations of the Turkish Confederation of Employers’ Associations (TISK) provided together with the Government’s report.

Articles 1–3 of the Convention. Contribution of the employment service to employment promotion. The Committee notes with interest the consistent annual increase in the number of people placed in employment in the private sector through the Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR) since 2014. In its observations, the TISK indicates that, between 2020 and 2021, the number of people placed in employment through İŞKUR increased by 52 per cent. In addition, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government with respect to the job and vocational counselling activities carried out by İŞKUR. The Government indicates that İŞKUR counsellors are responsible for assisting jobseekers in finding suitable employment, solving occupational adjustment problems where these exist; improving their professional skills; changing their professions/jobs; and meeting the demands of employers by informing them about legislation. In addition, İŞKUR counsellors work with employers to: promote İŞKUR services; receive and handle potential labour demands; and carry out İŞKUR-related business through workplace visits. They work on a Profile-Based Counselling System and are divided into five categories: (i) Job seeker counsellor; (ii) employer counsellor; (iii) professional counsellor for students; (iv) job coach for persons with disabilities; and (v) job club leaders. The Government adds that “Job Clubs” is a service that has been offered by İŞKUR since 2017, consisting of an intensive job and vocational counselling program aimed at providing methodical and motivational support for groups in need of special services, such as women, young people, persons with disabilities, long-term unemployed persons and ex-convicts. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing detailed, up-to-date information on the measures taken to ensure the efficient functioning of Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR), as well as on the impact of these measures. It further requests the Government to provide detailed information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex and age, regarding the content and impact of its services, particularly in respect of the Job Clubs services aimed at specific groups of jobseekers that may require targeted services to assist them in accessing or remaining in the labour market. In addition, the Committee requests the Government to continue providing detailed, up-to-date information on the number of applications for employment received by İŞKUR; offers of employment notified; and placements effected by İŞKUR offices.

Articles 4 and 5. Cooperation with the social partners. The Committee notes the detailed information provided by the Government in reply to its previous request concerning the activities carried out by the Turkish Employment Agency in cooperation with the social partners. The Committee takes note of this information, which responds to its previous request.

Article 6. Measures to facilitate labour market entry. Vocational education and training. The Committee notes the adoption of the Regulation on the Procedures and Principles Regarding the Execution of Active Labour Force Services, published in the Official Gazette on 8 April 2022 (Issue No. 31803). In its observations, TISK indicates that the purpose of the Regulation is to set out the applicable principles and procedures in relation to implementing active labour market services regulated by İŞKUR, including helping to protect and increase employment, developing professional qualifications for both unemployed persons and workers, reducing unemployment and getting groups requiring special assistance into the labour market. The Regulation also covers the principles and procedures relating to vocational educational and training courses, on-the-job training courses and other courses, programmes and projects drawn up within the framework of the Regulation, to be carried out by İŞKUR according to labour market needs. Furthermore, according to the Regulation, the Vocational Training Courses and On-the-job Training Programs are organized at the initiative of public and private sector employers. If accepted, the courses are organized by İŞKUR in institutions including, but not limited to, universities and private companies. The initiating employer is required to employ trainees who successfully complete the courses, for a period equivalent to at least three times the duration of the program (article 32). The Government indicates that, since its 2015 report, 2,218,955 people benefited from the On-the-job training programs, particularly young persons, as most participants were between 15 and 24 years old. It adds that, during the same period 845,901, people benefited from the vocational training courses offered by İŞKUR. The Committee notes from the statistical information provided that female participation is considerably higher than male participation in İŞKUR vocational training programs (indeed, in some years female participation is 3 times higher than that of males). Despite this higher rate of participation, the Committee notes that the overall employment rate for women in Türkiye is still substantially lower than that of men. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that the target number set out in the Strategic Plan (2019-2023) for participation in vocational training programs and on-the-job training programs has been reached, except in respect of the stated target set for young persons. In light of the foregoing, theCommittee requests the Government to provide information on the nature and impact of measures taken to encourage young persons to participate in the vocational education and training and on-the-job training programmes offered by İŞKUR for skills development and employment purposes. The Committee also requests the Government to provide detailed updated information regarding the types of courses offered by İŞKUR, including statistical data, disaggregated by sex and age, on the participation rates in the different courses and the number of women and men in employment 6 months after having completed the selected courses. The Committee further requests the Government to continue to provide detailed, up-to-date information on the nature, scope and impact of measures taken or envisaged to enhance the quality and accessibility of vocational education and training services provided by İŞKUR, including services tailored to specific groups of persons, such as women, young persons, persons with disabilities and others that may experience difficulties in accessing and remaining in employment and decent work.

Article 11. Cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies. The Committee notes the detailed information provided by the Government in reply to its previous request concerning the measures taken to secure effective cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies. The Committee takes note of this information, which responds to its previous request.