Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Slovenia (Ratification: 1992)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

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

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Employment trends and implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes with interest the adoption in April 2018 of the National Reform Programme (NRP) of 2018, in the framework of the economic and budgetary policy: the “European Semester”. The Government indicates in the NRP that amendments to the Labour Market Regulation Act were introduced in 2017 with the aim of further improving the functioning of the labour market. In particular, the amendments focus on the effective activation of older persons, the less educated, young persons and long-term unemployed persons. The Committee further notes that the Slovenian Development Strategy 2030 was adopted in December 2017 following consultations with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Strategy’s objectives include, inter alia, maintaining an inclusive labour market and creating quality jobs. In 2015, the Government launched Guidelines for Active Labour Market Policy Measures (2016–20). The Guidelines identify the key target groups to be reached through active labour market policy measures: the long-term unemployed, older workers, the less educated and young persons. The Committee further notes the detailed information provided by the Government concerning the impact of the Active Labour Market Policy (ALMP) measures implemented between 2015 and 2017. In this regard, the Government reports that, according to the Annual Report on Labour Market Measures of the Public Employment Service (PES), between 2015 and 2017, 68,384 unemployed people participated in ALMP activities, 46,280 of whom (68 per cent) secured employment. With regard to employment trends, the Committee notes that, according to the “2019 European Semester: Country Report on Slovenia” (the 2019 European Semester report), the country’s robust economic growth in recent years has also strengthened the labour market. The employment rate for 20- to 64-year-old workers increased from 70.1 per cent in 2016 to 73.4 per cent in 2017 and the national unemployment rate declined from 8 per cent to 6.6 per cent. During the same period, the economic activity rate increased from 76.2 per cent to 78.6 per cent. The 2019 European Semester report points out, however, that the share of temporary contracts was 14.6 per cent, higher than the European Union (EU) average of 11.3 per cent. In addition, the share of involuntary temporary employees was 9.4 per cent in 2017, above the EU average of 7.8 per cent. Moreover, the share of employees in precarious employment (where the length of the employment contract did not exceed three months) was 5.1 per cent in 2017, more than double the EU average of 2.3 per cent.The Committee requests the Government to continue providing up-to-date, detailed information on the nature and impact of measures taken to achieve the Convention’s objectives, indicating the manner in which the measures taken have assisted the beneficiaries in securing full, productive and sustainable employment. In addition, please provide information on measures taken or envisaged to reduce the share of precarious employment. The Committee also requests the Government to provide updated statistical information, disaggregated by sex and age, on the development of the labour market, particularly on the rates of the economically active population, employment and unemployment, and the size and distribution of the informal economy.

Long-term unemployed persons. In response to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government reports that, according to statistical information provided by the PES, the share of registered long-term unemployed persons remains high (representing 53.4 per cent of total unemployment in 2016 and 53.3 per cent in May 2018). It adds that high rates of persistent long-term unemployment are most often linked to lower education (33.9 per cent of registered unemployed persons as of May 2018) and age (51.1 per cent were older unemployed persons). The Government adds that, in 2017, 56 per cent of the participants in the ALMP programmes were long-term unemployed persons. The Committee notes the range of measures adopted by the PES with the aim of facilitating the reintegration into the labour market of long-term unemployed persons, including provision of individualised career advice, assessment of the situation of the unemployed person after 12 months of continuous unemployment, provision of training to help the long-term unemployed acquire skills needed in the labour market, and subsidies for employers who employ long-term unemployed persons. In addition, following the introduction of amendments to the Labour Market Regulation Act in 2017, it is now mandatory for persons to sign on to the register of jobseekers even during the notice period prior to the end of their employment contract, in order to be eligible to participate in ALMPs. The objective of this requirement is to accelerate the re-entry of such persons in the labour market and, if possible, avoid the risk that they will remain unemployed over the longer term. The Government points out that failure to register as a jobseeker during the requisite period results in a reduction of the unemployment benefit during the first three months of unemployment, from 80 per cent to 60 per cent of the worker’s average salary.The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated, detailed information on the nature and impact of measures taken to support and facilitate the reintegration of long-term unemployed persons into the labour market. The Committee also requests the Government, to provide an assessment, in collaboration with the social partners, of the impact of the measures taken to support the return to the labour market of the long-term unemployed.

Older workers. In reply to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the employment rate of workers between the ages of 55 and 64 rose from 35.4 in 2014 to 38.5 per cent in 2016. Nevertheless, the Government reports that the employment rate of older workers remains one of the lowest among the EU countries. At the end of May 2018, older unemployed persons (those above 50 years of age) represented 41.1 per cent of all registered unemployed persons and the majority of them (66 per cent) were among the long-term unemployed. The Committee observes that, according to the “2019 European Semester: Country Report on Slovenia”, the main reason for the inactivity of older people in 2016 was early retirement. Moreover, according to the report, the risk of poverty and social exclusion remain high among older persons. The Committee thus welcomes the information provided by the Government regarding the various measures taken to promote the reintegration of older persons into the labour market. In January 2016, the Government introduced provisions exempting employers hiring older persons (beyond the age of 55) from the payment of social security contributions for up to 24 months. In September 2016, the “Older on the Labour Market Strategy” was adopted. The Strategy addresses a number of objectives relevant to access to the labour market for older workers, including: pensions; working conditions; and occupational safety and health. In 2017, the Government launched the “Active Aging Programme”, which focuses on, inter alia, labour market access and lifelong learning, as well as the “Active Until Retirement Programme”, which provides subsidies to employers who hire workers older than 55. The Comprehensive Support for Companies for the Active Aging of Employees Programme was also launched in 2017, with the objective of including 12,500 persons over the age of 45 in a range of training and motivational programmes. The programme provides support to employers to assist them in more efficiently managing an ageing workforce, and for improving the motivation and upgrading the skills of older employees.The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated information on the nature and impact of the measures taken to facilitate the integration of older workers into the labour market, including information on any adverse impact on older workers themselves from the two-year exemption for employers from the payment of social security contributions, and including vocational education and training to enable them to access, advance and remain in employment.

Young persons. In response to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government reports that the activity rate of young persons between the ages of 20 and 29 rose from 70.8 per cent in 2015 to 75 per cent in 2017. The unemployment rate of young persons between the ages of 15 to 29 fell by 55 per cent, from 17.7 per cent in the last quarter of 2015 to 9.7 per cent in the last quarter of 2017. The Government also reports that the Youth Guarantee Programme (YGP) implementation plan for 2016–20 was adopted in May 2016. Among the services available, the YGP provides vocational and career guidance for young persons. From 2014 to 2016, more than 55,000 young people participated in the YGP, through which 22,261 (40 per cent) obtained employment. The Government indicates that, according to the responses provided by employers to questionnaires addressed to them, young persons lack adequate vocational skills and competencies required to meet employers’ needs. Therefore, the ALPM programmes are primarily oriented to assisting young persons in obtaining practical experience through on-the-job training programmes, through which over 70 per cent of participants are able to secure employment, and the Permanent Employment for Youth Programme (a subsidy-based programme that aims to provide permanent employment to approximately 5,500 young people during the period from 2017 to 2021). The Committee observes that, according to the “Youth Guarantee 2018 Country Report on Slovenia”, the share of temporary employment among young people is still the highest among the EU countries (in 2016, more than seven out of ten young workers in Slovenia were employed on temporary contracts, compared to 13.1 per cent of workers aged 25 to 49). The report highlights that young people are also overrepresented in involuntary part-time work and are concentrated in lower wage jobs. This is largely due to the prevalence of student work contractsThe Committee requests the Government to provide updated information, including disaggregated statistical data on the impact of measures taken with a view to assisting young persons in finding, advancing in and retaining lasting employment.

Persons with disabilities. The Government refers to the implementation of the Act on the rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities, which establishes a quota system of 2 to 6 per cent for the recruitment of persons with disabilities in companies employing more than 20 employees. Companies may also invest in a fund for the employment of persons with disabilities or in business cooperation arrangements with companies providing sheltered employment. Moreover, companies providing employment to persons with disabilities that exceed the applicable quotas and self-employed persons with disabilities are entitled to social contributions, exemptions and financial incentives. Nevertheless, in its concluding observations of 16 April 2018, the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) expressed concern about the persistence of sheltered workplaces that promote the so-called “charity” approach to the employment of persons with disabilities and perpetuate the segregation of persons with disabilities in the labour market, especially in respect of persons with intellectual disabilities, qualifying them as “unemployable”. The CRPD also expressed concern regarding lack of compliance with the employment quota system, the absence of reasonable accommodation in the workplace and the different requirements for quotas in the public and private work sectors. The CRPD also highlighted the lack of accessibility and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities in tertiary education, including in higher education institutions and vocational schools (CRPD/C/SVN/CO/1, paragraphs 39(d) and 45).The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to promote employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in the open labour market and on their impact. It further requests the Government to provide information regarding the application in practice of the Act on the rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities.

Education and training. The Committee notes that, according to the “EU Council Recommendation of 13 July 2018 on the 2018 NRP of Slovenia”, due to the ageing population in the country, the Government should promote participation in adult learning. Participation rates have been falling since 2010 and are especially low among low-skilled and older workers. The EU Council also pointed out that employment rates for low-skilled workers have improved, but remain below pre-crisis levels and below the EU average. In this context, the Government indicates that Slovenia joined the OECD Skills Strategy Programme in 2016. The Committee notes that, according to the “Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Skills Strategy Implementation Guidance for Slovenia”, the country’s Development Strategy 2030 sets a target of increasing participation in adult learning from 11.6 per cent in 2016 to 19 per cent by 2030. The Development Strategy goals include improving knowledge and skills for quality of life and work, with particular attention paid to groups in vulnerable situations. In 2017, to strengthen participation in adult learning, the Government initiated the Action Phase of its National Skills Strategy (NSS), with the engagement of, among other actors, businesses, education and training providers, as well as employers’ and workers’ organizations. In addition, the Committee notes that, according to the 2019 European Semester Country Report, the Government adopted an Apprenticeship Act in 2017, which links education and practical experience. The Report emphasises that knowledge and skills are not well adapted to the current and future needs of the economy. According to a 2017 business survey, 64 per cent of companies in Slovenia encounter difficulties when searching for adequately skilled personnel. Lastly, the Committee welcomes the detailed information provided by the Government regarding the impact of the various different programmes to support formal education, raise competencies and enhance career development. The Government reports that, in 2017, 13,440 persons participated in these programmes, of whom 8,296 were women, 2,221 were over the age of 50 and 583 were living with a disability.The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on measures adopted or envisaged, in cooperation with the social partners, to improve the level of qualifications and improve the coordination of vocational education and training policies with prospective employment opportunities.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Committee notes from the NRP 2018 that the programme was adopted based on comments from the social partners and following discussions within the tripartite Economic and Social Council. In addition, the Government refers to the working group for the implementation of the YGP, which includes representatives of workers’ and employers’ organizations. The Government adds that the PES has increased cooperation with employers with a view to providing unemployed persons with the requisite skills and knowledge and to align training options with employers’ needs. The Government also indicates that, in the framework of the OECD Skills Strategy Project, the role of the social partners was discussed in relation to, inter alia, skills-forecasting methods, raising awareness about lifelong learning and skills updating.The Committee requests the Government to continue providing detailed information on the nature and extent of the engagement of the social partners and representatives of groups affected by measures to be taken, with regard to the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the employment policies and programmes relevant to the application of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Employment trends and implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes with interest the adoption in April 2018 of the National Reform Programme (NRP) of 2018, in the framework of the economic and budgetary policy: the “European Semester”. The Government indicates in the NRP that amendments to the Labour Market Regulation Act were introduced in 2017 with the aim of further improving the functioning of the labour market. In particular, the amendments focus on the effective activation of older persons, the less educated, young persons and long-term unemployed persons. The Committee further notes that the Slovenian Development Strategy 2030 was adopted in December 2017 following consultations with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Strategy’s objectives include, inter alia, maintaining an inclusive labour market and creating quality jobs. In 2015, the Government launched Guidelines for Active Labour Market Policy Measures (2016–20). The Guidelines identify the key target groups to be reached through active labour market policy measures: the long-term unemployed, older workers, the less educated and young persons. The Committee further notes the detailed information provided by the Government concerning the impact of the Active Labour Market Policy (ALMP) measures implemented between 2015 and 2017. In this regard, the Government reports that, according to the Annual Report on Labour Market Measures of the Public Employment Service (PES), between 2015 and 2017, 68,384 unemployed people participated in ALMP activities, 46,280 of whom (68 per cent) secured employment. With regard to employment trends, the Committee notes that, according to the “2019 European Semester: Country Report on Slovenia” (the 2019 European Semester report), the country’s robust economic growth in recent years has also strengthened the labour market. The employment rate for 20- to 64-year-old workers increased from 70.1 per cent in 2016 to 73.4 per cent in 2017 and the national unemployment rate declined from 8 per cent to 6.6 per cent. During the same period, the economic activity rate increased from 76.2 per cent to 78.6 per cent. The 2019 European Semester report points out, however, that the share of temporary contracts was 14.6 per cent, higher than the European Union (EU) average of 11.3 per cent. In addition, the share of involuntary temporary employees was 9.4 per cent in 2017, above the EU average of 7.8 per cent. Moreover, the share of employees in precarious employment (where the length of the employment contract did not exceed three months) was 5.1 per cent in 2017, more than double the EU average of 2.3 per cent. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing up-to-date, detailed information on the nature and impact of measures taken to achieve the Convention’s objectives, indicating the manner in which the measures taken have assisted the beneficiaries in securing full, productive and sustainable employment. In addition, please provide information on measures taken or envisaged to reduce the share of precarious employment. The Committee also requests the Government to provide updated statistical information, disaggregated by sex and age, on the development of the labour market, particularly on the rates of the economically active population, employment and unemployment, and the size and distribution of the informal economy.

Long-term unemployed persons. In response to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government reports that, according to statistical information provided by the PES, the share of registered long-term unemployed persons remains high (representing 53.4 per cent of total unemployment in 2016 and 53.3 per cent in May 2018). It adds that high rates of persistent long-term unemployment are most often linked to lower education (33.9 per cent of registered unemployed persons as of May 2018) and age (51.1 per cent were older unemployed persons). The Government adds that, in 2017, 56 per cent of the participants in the ALMP programmes were long-term unemployed persons. The Committee notes the range of measures adopted by the PES with the aim of facilitating the reintegration into the labour market of long-term unemployed persons, including provision of individualised career advice, assessment of the situation of the unemployed person after 12 months of continuous unemployment, provision of training to help the long-term unemployed acquire skills needed in the labour market, and subsidies for employers who employ long-term unemployed persons. In addition, following the introduction of amendments to the Labour Market Regulation Act in 2017, it is now mandatory for persons to sign on to the register of jobseekers even during the notice period prior to the end of their employment contract, in order to be eligible to participate in ALMPs. The objective of this requirement is to accelerate the re-entry of such persons in the labour market and, if possible, avoid the risk that they will remain unemployed over the longer term. The Government points out that failure to register as a jobseeker during the requisite period results in a reduction of the unemployment benefit during the first three months of unemployment, from 80 per cent to 60 per cent of the worker’s average salary. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated, detailed information on the nature and impact of measures taken to support and facilitate the reintegration of long-term unemployed persons into the labour market. The Committee also requests the Government, to provide an assessment, in collaboration with the social partners, of the impact of the measures taken to support the return to the labour market of the long-term unemployed.

Older workers. In reply to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the employment rate of workers between the ages of 55 and 64 rose from 35.4 in 2014 to 38.5 per cent in 2016. Nevertheless, the Government reports that the employment rate of older workers remains one of the lowest among the EU countries. At the end of May 2018, older unemployed persons (those above 50 years of age) represented 41.1 per cent of all registered unemployed persons and the majority of them (66 per cent) were among the long-term unemployed. The Committee observes that, according to the “2019 European Semester: Country Report on Slovenia”, the main reason for the inactivity of older people in 2016 was early retirement. Moreover, according to the report, the risk of poverty and social exclusion remain high among older persons. The Committee thus welcomes the information provided by the Government regarding the various measures taken to promote the reintegration of older persons into the labour market. In January 2016, the Government introduced provisions exempting employers hiring older persons (beyond the age of 55) from the payment of social security contributions for up to 24 months. In September 2016, the “Older on the Labour Market Strategy” was adopted. The Strategy addresses a number of objectives relevant to access to the labour market for older workers, including: pensions; working conditions; and occupational safety and health. In 2017, the Government launched the “Active Aging Programme”, which focuses on, inter alia, labour market access and lifelong learning, as well as the “Active Until Retirement Programme”, which provides subsidies to employers who hire workers older than 55. The Comprehensive Support for Companies for the Active Aging of Employees Programme was also launched in 2017, with the objective of including 12,500 persons over the age of 45 in a range of training and motivational programmes. The programme provides support to employers to assist them in more efficiently managing an ageing workforce, and for improving the motivation and upgrading the skills of older employees. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated information on the nature and impact of the measures taken to facilitate the integration of older workers into the labour market, including information on any adverse impact on older workers themselves from the two-year exemption for employers from the payment of social security contributions, and including vocational education and training to enable them to access, advance and remain in employment.

Young persons. In response to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government reports that the activity rate of young persons between the ages of 20 and 29 rose from 70.8 per cent in 2015 to 75 per cent in 2017. The unemployment rate of young persons between the ages of 15 to 29 fell by 55 per cent, from 17.7 per cent in the last quarter of 2015 to 9.7 per cent in the last quarter of 2017. The Government also reports that the Youth Guarantee Programme (YGP) implementation plan for 2016–20 was adopted in May 2016. Among the services available, the YGP provides vocational and career guidance for young persons. From 2014 to 2016, more than 55,000 young people participated in the YGP, through which 22,261 (40 per cent) obtained employment. The Government indicates that, according to the responses provided by employers to questionnaires addressed to them, young persons lack adequate vocational skills and competencies required to meet employers’ needs. Therefore, the ALPM programmes are primarily oriented to assisting young persons in obtaining practical experience through on-the-job training programmes, through which over 70 per cent of participants are able to secure employment, and the Permanent Employment for Youth Programme (a subsidy-based programme that aims to provide permanent employment to approximately 5,500 young people during the period from 2017 to 2021). The Committee observes that, according to the “Youth Guarantee 2018 Country Report on Slovenia”, the share of temporary employment among young people is still the highest among the EU countries (in 2016, more than seven out of ten young workers in Slovenia were employed on temporary contracts, compared to 13.1 per cent of workers aged 25 to 49). The report highlights that young people are also overrepresented in involuntary part-time work and are concentrated in lower wage jobs. This is largely due to the prevalence of student work contracts The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information, including disaggregated statistical data on the impact of measures taken with a view to assisting young persons in finding, advancing in and retaining lasting employment.

Persons with disabilities. The Government refers to the implementation of the Act on the rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities, which establishes a quota system of 2 to 6 per cent for the recruitment of persons with disabilities in companies employing more than 20 employees. Companies may also invest in a fund for the employment of persons with disabilities or in business cooperation arrangements with companies providing sheltered employment. Moreover, companies providing employment to persons with disabilities that exceed the applicable quotas and self-employed persons with disabilities are entitled to social contributions, exemptions and financial incentives. Nevertheless, in its concluding observations of 16 April 2018, the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) expressed concern about the persistence of sheltered workplaces that promote the so-called “charity” approach to the employment of persons with disabilities and perpetuate the segregation of persons with disabilities in the labour market, especially in respect of persons with intellectual disabilities, qualifying them as “unemployable”. The CRPD also expressed concern regarding lack of compliance with the employment quota system, the absence of reasonable accommodation in the workplace and the different requirements for quotas in the public and private work sectors. The CRPD also highlighted the lack of accessibility and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities in tertiary education, including in higher education institutions and vocational schools (CRPD/C/SVN/CO/1, paragraphs 39(d) and 45). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to promote employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in the open labour market and on their impact. It further requests the Government to provide information regarding the application in practice of the Act on the rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities.

Education and training. The Committee notes that, according to the “EU Council Recommendation of 13 July 2018 on the 2018 NRP of Slovenia”, due to the ageing population in the country, the Government should promote participation in adult learning. Participation rates have been falling since 2010 and are especially low among low-skilled and older workers. The EU Council also pointed out that employment rates for low-skilled workers have improved, but remain below pre-crisis levels and below the EU average. In this context, the Government indicates that Slovenia joined the OECD Skills Strategy Programme in 2016. The Committee notes that, according to the “Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Skills Strategy Implementation Guidance for Slovenia”, the country’s Development Strategy 2030 sets a target of increasing participation in adult learning from 11.6 per cent in 2016 to 19 per cent by 2030. The Development Strategy goals include improving knowledge and skills for quality of life and work, with particular attention paid to groups in vulnerable situations. In 2017, to strengthen participation in adult learning, the Government initiated the Action Phase of its National Skills Strategy (NSS), with the engagement of, among other actors, businesses, education and training providers, as well as employers’ and workers’ organizations. In addition, the Committee notes that, according to the 2019 European Semester Country Report, the Government adopted an Apprenticeship Act in 2017, which links education and practical experience. The Report emphasises that knowledge and skills are not well adapted to the current and future needs of the economy. According to a 2017 business survey, 64 per cent of companies in Slovenia encounter difficulties when searching for adequately skilled personnel. Lastly, the Committee welcomes the detailed information provided by the Government regarding the impact of the various different programmes to support formal education, raise competencies and enhance career development. The Government reports that, in 2017, 13,440 persons participated in these programmes, of whom 8,296 were women, 2,221 were over the age of 50 and 583 were living with a disability. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on measures adopted or envisaged, in cooperation with the social partners, to improve the level of qualifications and improve the coordination of vocational education and training policies with prospective employment opportunities.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Committee notes from the NRP 2018 that the programme was adopted based on comments from the social partners and following discussions within the tripartite Economic and Social Council. In addition, the Government refers to the working group for the implementation of the YGP, which includes representatives of workers’ and employers’ organizations. The Government adds that the PES has increased cooperation with employers with a view to providing unemployed persons with the requisite skills and knowledge and to align training options with employers’ needs. The Government also indicates that, in the framework of the OECD Skills Strategy Project, the role of the social partners was discussed in relation to, inter alia, skills-forecasting methods, raising awareness about lifelong learning and skills updating. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing detailed information on the nature and extent of the engagement of the social partners and representatives of groups affected by measures to be taken, with regard to the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the employment policies and programmes relevant to the application of the Convention.

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

The Committee notes the observations of the Association of Free Trade Unions of Slovenia (in cooperation with the trade union “Mladi pluse”), transmitted by the Government in September 2015.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Active labour market measures and employment policy. The Committee notes the 2013 amendments to the Act on Labour Market Regulation (ZUTD) and the other legislative and administrative measures adopted to promote employment. The Government provides an assessment in its report of the labour market situation, indicating that in 2013 the country was still affected by the economic crisis, which limited the access of young people and the long-term unemployed to the labour market. In 2013, the unemployment rate was estimated at 10.3 per cent, the youth unemployment rate reached 21.6 per cent and the long-term unemployment rate was 5.2 per cent. The Government also reports that in 2014 the labour market situation started to recover after five years of rising unemployment. As a result, the unemployment rate of persons in the 20–64 age group declined to 9.7 per cent. In 2014, a total of 37,728 unemployed persons participated in active labour market measures, of whom 20,470 found employment. The Association of Free Trade Unions of Slovenia observes that the Government’s expenditure on active labour market policies for 2015 has been reduced by one third compared to the previous year. The Government indicates that higher economic growth was forecast for 2015, together with an increase in employment in the private sector. The inflow of new unemployed persons is expected to decline by 1 per cent in 2015, compared with 2014. The Committee notes that, despite recent improvements in the labour market situation, the long-term unemployment rate has continued increasing. In 2013, the long-term unemployed represented 51 per cent of total unemployment. According to the information provided by the Public Employment Service, in 2014, a total of 24,697 registered unemployed persons had been jobless for over 36 months. The Government indicates that long-term unemployment, combined with low levels of education, is a complex issue during the country’s transition to a market economy. In 2014, the long-term unemployed represented 78.8 per cent of all participants in job-creation measures and 68.7 per cent of total beneficiaries of employment subsidies. With regard to women, the Government indicates that their share of total long-term unemployment has fallen from 51.2 per cent in 2012 to 45 per cent in 2014. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the impact of the active labour market measures adopted to promote employment, including information on the impact of the measures adopted to enhance the employability of the long-term unemployed. Please also indicate how active labour market measures are kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy.

Older workers. The Government indicates that, as the country’s population is ageing, the unemployed are becoming older. As of January 2013, the average age of unemployed persons was 41.1 years. The Committee notes that, at the end of 2014, older unemployed people (over 50 years of age) represented 30.8 per cent of total registered unemployment. Older unemployed persons are unemployed on average for 35.6 months. The Government describes various measures implemented to promote the employment of older persons, such as the Work Integration Programme, which includes the allocation of one-year employment subsidies to employers who hire persons over 50 years of age with low educational levels from East Slovenia. In addition, a total of 4,162 older workers benefited from vocational training programmes offered by private enterprises. The Government adds that in 2014 older workers represented a quarter of total participants in public work programmes. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the impact of the measures taken to facilitate the integration of older workers into the labour market.

Young people. The Government indicates that, due to the economic crisis, the demand for labour fell significantly, affecting young people lacking working experience. It provides information on the programmes implemented to enhance youth employment. In 2014, it was estimated that 70 per cent of young persons who have completed “on-the-job training” programmes were placed in a job within one year. The Government adds that a total of 68 public employment service advisers, who are specialized in employment services for youth, were made available. In 2013, the country joined the EU Youth Guarantee Programme. As a result of the implementation of this programme, the youth unemployment rate dropped from 21.2 per cent in the first quarter of 2014 to 18 per cent in the first quarter of 2015. The Government indicates that, on average, 39 per cent of young persons covered by the Youth Guarantee Programme and other active labour market measures find employment. The Association of Free Trade Unions of Slovenia observes that the measures adopted by the Government under the Youth Guarantee Programme are mostly short-term measures and do not specifically encourage long-term employment for young people. It also indicates that, on average, one in ten participants in youth employment measures retain their job for more than three months. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the impact of the measures taken in assisting young people to find and retain employment.

Education and training. The Committee notes that vocational training programmes are being offered by Inter-Enterprise Education Centres, as part of secondary education institutions. In 2014, some 42 per cent of the participants in these programmes were long-term unemployed. The Committee also notes the implementation of special vocational guidance and training programmes in Pokolpje, where the unemployment rates are higher than in the rest of the country. In recent years, the Public Employment Service has been adjusting the vocational counselling service offered to young people to youth lifestyles and means of communication. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the impact of the education and training measures taken with a view to promoting employment opportunities. Please also indicate how vocational training measures take into consideration the needs of different categories of workers, such as women, young people, older workers and persons with disabilities.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Government indicates that in 2014 representative organizations of workers and employers cooperated in the implementation of projects aimed at promoting employment opportunities and training, including a programme for the development of competencies in the paper industry. It adds that trade unions have been collaborating in the implementation of the Youth Guarantee Programme. In this regard, the Committee notes that an informal group comprised of different youth organizations and trade unions has been set up to monitor the implementation of the programme. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the consultations held with the social partners and other interested actors in the formulation of active employment policy measures, with an indication of how their support has been enlisted for the implementation of such measures.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Active labour market measures and employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s report for the period ending May 2012, which includes detailed replies to the 2011 direct request and observations of the Association of Employers of Slovenia (ZDS). It notes that the provisions of the Labour Market Regulation Act (ZUTD) concerning the active employment policy entered into force on 1 January 2012. The primary aims of the ZUTD are to increase social security of jobseekers, establish a network of providers enabling a quick response to dynamic changes in the labour market, increase the efficiency of active employment policy measures, and reduce administrative burdens for companies and persons in the labour market. In addition, the ZUTD introduces the active employment policy (AEP) guidelines, the basis for a strategic document that the Government will adopt for a four-year period after consultation with the social partners. Furthermore, the Government describes in its report the modifications introduced to unemployment benefits in reply to the observations of the ZDS. With respect to unemployment trends, the Government indicates that the average duration of unemployment has grown continuously since February 2011. The registered unemployment level was 10.5 per cent in July 2010, 11.8 per cent at the end of 2010, and 11.5 per cent in July 2011. The Committee notes that the unemployment rate continued to rise and reached 12.2 per cent in November 2012; 11.6 per cent for men and 12.9 per cent for women. The Government reports that the scope of the AEP measures in 2012 are to be similar as in 2011, which is necessary in view of the unemployment trends. Funds earmarked for the implementation were largely allocated for direct employment measures and measures that increase the employability of the unemployed most efficiently. The number of people to be included in AEP measures in 2012 is 58,255 persons, and 14,400 persons are to be employed in June 2013 as a direct result of these measures. Furthermore, two comprehensive evaluations of the programmes and projects of the active employment policy are being prepared. One evaluation is targeted at the efficiency of active employment policy programmes co-financed by the European Social Fund, while the other was initiated in the framework of the Target Research Programmes of the Slovenian Research Agency and includes a systematic analysis of implementation. The Committee invites the Government to provide information in its next report on the impact of the employment policies and measures implemented to promote full and productive employment, in collaboration with the social partners. It also invites the Government to include in its next report information on the implementation of specific measures promoting the return of long-term unemployed persons to the labour market.

Young persons. The Government reports that the unemployment rate of persons under the age of 25 remains relatively low in the country. The share of unemployed persons under 25 years of age in the entire structure of unemployed persons decreased from 9.3 per cent at the end of 2011 to 7.9 per cent in May 2012. The Government indicates that the Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Affairs implemented several programmes, co-financed by the European Social Fund, that include young persons as the key target group. The programmes included training, education and employment promotion. It also indicates that a new programme for young persons is in its final phase of development, a programme with similar contents as its previous in-service training programme. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information on the impact of the measures taken to increase opportunities for young persons to find lasting employment.

Older workers. The Government reports that unemployment of older workers increased due to the pension system reform, as a higher number of persons have registered as unemployed 24 months before they fulfilled formal retirement conditions. The Committee notes that several active employment policy measures include older unemployed persons as a target group. The Government indicates that there is a general increase in the integration of older unemployed persons in active employment policy programmes, such as programmes promoting labour and social inclusion and social entrepreneurship programmes. Key research findings provided by the Government indicate that the total number of all unemployed persons participating in active employment policy measures at the monthly level has halved in the first months of 2012 when compared to the same period in 2011. The Committee invites the Government to continue to include information on the results of the measures implemented to increase the participation of older workers in the labour market.

Education and training. The Committee notes that section 30(1) of the ZUTD provides that education shall be carried out as informal and formal education. It also notes the education and training programmes provided in the Government’s report. In the framework of the Education and Training Programme for the Unemployed, two public invitations for the promotion of education and training of employees of companies were published in 2011. The goal of the programme is to stimulate employers to invest in their employees in order to improve qualifications, increase mobility and employability. The project will be implemented until the end of 2013 and a total of 30,000 persons are expected to participate. The Committee invites the Government to supply information on the measures taken within the framework of education and training policies and on their impact on the employability and competitiveness of the labour force, as well as the involvement of the social partners in this process.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Government indicates that it has developed a culture of dialogue in the form of round table discussions. The Committee notes with interest that one such discussion held in July 2012 between the Government and social partners focused on the efficiency and potential improvements of the existing employment programmes targeting young persons. The Government further indicates that the activity level of trade unions, especially trade unions of young persons, has noticeably increased in designing active employment policy programmes. Trade unions monitor the implementation, actively participate in discussions and provide proposals for changes in programmes and necessary future steps. The Committee invites the Government to indicate in its next report the measures taken to ensure the participation of workers’ and employers’ organizations in the formulation and implementation of employment policies and the results thereof. Please provide examples of employment policies and measures addressed and decisions reached through tripartite consultations.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Active labour market measures and employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s detailed report for the period ending in May 2010 which includes replies to the 2009 direct request. The Government indicates that due to the global financial and economic crisis, the economic situation in Slovenia began to deteriorate rapidly at the end of 2008. Thus, the activities of the Employment Service increased by adapting to a progressively more dynamic labour market. In 2009, the Employment Service implemented various measures aimed at assisting workers affected by the crisis. Within the “Measures for rapidly solving the economic crisis impact” programme, mobile teams were introduced which would react quickly and provide professional assistance to large numbers of laid-off workers. Moreover, the “Partial subsidizing of full-time work” and the “Partial reimbursement of payment compensation for workers on temporary layoff” programmes had a significant impact on the sustainability of the labour market to the extent that they preserved at least 25,000 jobs that would have otherwise been eliminated due to the crisis. The Government indicates that, as at June 2010, 98,187 unemployed persons were registered at the Employment Service, which represents an increase of 13.5 per cent when compared to May 2009. The Committee notes that active labour market measures targeted vocational guidance and jobseeking assistance, education and training, promotion of employment and self-employment and increasing social inclusion. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report an evaluation of the effectiveness and relevance of the employment policies and measures to promote full and productive employment implemented in collaboration with the social partners. It further invites the Government to continue to provide information on the results achieved through active labour market measures.

Young workers. The Government indicates that, despite poor economic results, the proportion of vulnerable groups in the unemployment structure have been decreasing. It further reports that between 2009 and 2010, the unemployment rate among the long-term unemployed registered a higher increase compared to the other categories. Due to the crisis, the share of long-term unemployment among young persons between 18 and 25 years of age has been increasing since 2008: young persons found employment after an average of four months and 27 days in 2008, five months and 16 days in 2009, and six months and 20 days in 2010. The Government indicates that one of the reasons of poor employability of young graduates is their lack of work experience together with the high average age of completion of studies. The lack of work experience is also due to scarce cooperation between higher education institutions and employers, the latter having a modest impact on the development of competencies of students. In this regard, the Government’s efforts are oriented towards encouraging young persons to complete their studies in the regular time so as to obtain sooner the necessary work experience. The Government indicates that young persons who work are often faced with temporary and partial employment. The Committee notes that, according to EU sources, the share of young workers with precarious jobs such as “student work” is high and transition from temporary to permanent employment contracts appears to be relatively difficult. In its 2010 General Survey concerning employment instruments, the Committee observed that there was a growing problem of unemployment among educated workers, particularly young university graduates, who are unable to find secure employment commensurate with their skill level. This is an issue for the advanced market economies as well as developing countries. Not only are their skills underutilized, but this pattern of casual jobs can prove detrimental to their lifetime career progression (paragraphs 576 and 800). The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information on the impact of the measures taken to increase opportunities for young persons to find lasting employment. Please also see the remarks on education and training below.

Older workers. The Committee notes that the employment rate among older persons between 55 and 64 years of age was 32.8 per cent in 2008, which was considerably higher than the EU average employment rate for the same category of workers (45.6 per cent). At the end of 2009, the unemployed over 50 years of age represented a third of all unemployed persons. The Government reports that measures for promoting active ageing are being elaborated which are aimed at increasing the average employment rate of older persons between 55 and 64 years of age to 43.5 per cent in 2013. They consist of three important and mutually connected parts, namely measures targeting unemployed older persons, measures directed to the employed older workers and measures aimed to change the attitude of employers and the general public towards the elderly. The Committee invites the Government to include information on the results of the measures implemented to increase the participation of older workers in the labour market.

Education and training. The Committee notes that 17,626 persons participated in education and training measures in 2009 and 11,848 in the first half of 2010. These measures included institutional training programmes, work trial and on-the-job training. The Government indicates that 33 per cent of persons who registered as unemployed due to the bankruptcy of their employer or long-term redundancy have a low level of education and represent the group which is most vulnerable to structural unemployment. For this reason, education and training programmes have been strengthened in 2010 and many persons from vulnerable groups, especially the elderly and unskilled workers, participated in these programmes. The Government further reports that the resources available for training in the framework of the “Partial reimbursement of payment compensation for workers on temporary layoff” programme were underutilized. Moreover, during the economic crisis, laid-off workers were not adequately provided with new skills. Training of laid-off workers was limited in scope and its content was of questionable value in improving their employability. The cause of inadequate training may also be found in the use by the majority of companies of internal training instead of training offered by technical institutions. In the Government’s view, this situation is of concern, especially when the share of jobs requiring high-level qualifications is forecasted to increase from 29 per cent in 2009 to 35 per cent by 2020. The Committee recalls that education, vocational training and lifelong learning are central pillars of employability and employment of workers. Investing in quality skills development, skills upgrading and re-skilling to improve employability is an essential measure to accelerate employment creation and achieve full and productive employment (paragraphs 100 and 103 of the 2010 General Survey). The Committee invites the Government to supply information on the measures taken within the framework of education and training policies and on their impact on the employability and competitiveness of the labour force, as well as the involvement of the social partners in this process. It also requests the Government to provide 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.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Government indicates that social partners, through the Economic and Social Council, participate in the phase of adoption of employment policies. However, their level of participation in the preparation of annual plans and programmes for the implementation of the employment policy is low. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to strengthen the participation of workers’ and employers’ organizations in the implementation of employment policies and the results thereof.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Active labour market measures and employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s detailed report received in November 2008 including replies to the 2007 direct request. The Government stressed that the labour market reforms implemented until May 2008 represented an essential component within the framework of economic and social reforms for increasing welfare in Slovenia. Among the main challenges Slovenia faced in the field of employment, the Government identified the high proportion of long-term unemployed (53.1 per cent in May 2008), the relatively high youth unemployment rate (13.7 per cent) and the increasing unemployment of women (7.9 per cent). It indicated that the Active Employment Policy Framework Programme (AEP), adopted yearly until 2006, had been programmed for a period of six years (2007–13) implemented through two-year plans, which provided more flexibility and better responsiveness to changes occurring in the labour market. The Committee notes that an increased share of funds has been earmarked for employment incentives and direct job creation, namely in the area of public works, and that, in order to achieve more permanent employment solutions for the most vulnerable groups, additional efforts will be made in pursuing the following development priorities established under the AEP and the Operational Programme for Human Resources Development for the period 2007–13: promotion of entrepreneurship and adaptability; promotion of employability of jobseekers and inactive individuals through training, vocational orientation and jobseeking assistance; and promotion of lifelong learning and social inclusion. The Committee also notes the adoption in 2007 of a national lifelong learning strategy, which is currently being implemented. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide an evaluation in its next report of the impact of the various labour market reform measures undertaken in the current employment situation. The Committee further invites the Government to provide information in its next report on the results achieved through active labour market measures.

2. Vulnerable workers. In reply to previous comments made concerning the impact of the measures taken to increase the employment rate among vulnerable groups, in particular young workers, first-time jobseekers and older workers, the Government indicates that the proportion of unemployed persons aged under 26 and first-time jobseekers decreased significantly in 2008 compared to 2006 (from 21.6 per cent to 13.7 per cent, and from 22.4 per cent to 16.9 per cent, respectively) whereas the proportion of unemployed persons aged 50 or over increased from 25.1 per cent in 2006 to 35.8 per cent in 2008. With reference to the measures being implemented to integrate young persons into the labour market, the Government’s report describes a number of activities within the framework of the 2007–13 Operational Programme for Human Resources Development, including, inter alia, on-the-job training, job rotation, exchange of work experience, intergenerational mentoring and instruction programmes to exchange knowledge between different target groups, and specific programmes for young persons who are threatened by discrimination or social exclusion. Concerning the measures to promote the employment of older workers, the Committee notes that a national active ageing strategy is under preparation with the objective of bringing the employment rate for older workers aged 55–64 as close as possible to the Lisbon Strategy target of 50 per cent by the year 2010. A set of policy measures have been proposed in order to overcome the barriers to employment for older persons: introducing incentives to hire them, in the form of subsidies, allowing them greater mobility and flexible forms of employment, improving care for older workers in terms of health and safety at work, encouraging the employment of inactive persons; promoting self-employment and social inclusion; and encouraging the inclusion of older workers and persons in lifelong learning. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide detailed information on the impact of the activities designed to encourage and support employment levels of vulnerable categories of workers, particularly women, young workers, first-time jobseekers and older workers.

3. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Government indicates that consultations with social partners on the EU employment policy strategy are held annually within the National Assembly. Representatives of employers and workers have been actively involved in the reform coordination process through the national Economic and Social Council, in which they expressed their support for the measures to be adopted under the AEP and the national action plan for persons with disabilities for the period 2007–13 which were proposed by the Government. The Committee notes that amendments were made to the Employment Relationship Act, in 2007, with the agreement of the social partners so as to ensure a suitable degree of employment security while encouraging labour market flexibility. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the progress made in involving the social partners in the design and application of employment policies.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Labour market trends and employment policy. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report for the period ending May 2006, which included detailed information in reply to its previous comments. The Government reported that the employment rate increased in general by 1 per cent between May 2005 and May 2006 and in particular in leasing and business activities (up 6.8 per cent), the construction industry (up 6.3 per cent) and the community, social and personal service industry (up 2.9 per cent). From 2000 to 2006, the total number of unemployed persons dropped by 17.5 per cent and there was a significant drop in the number of long-term unemployed persons (64,000 persons in December 2000 compared to 42,279 persons in May 2006). The demand for highly educated workers has grown, with redundant workers and the long-term unemployed facing the problem of not having the specific skills and knowledge required for employment reintegration.

2. The objectives of the Active Employment Policy Programme (AEPP) for 2006 were increasing vocational orientation and assistance in obtaining employment; training and education; developing employment incentives; direct creation of new jobs; and introduction of experimental programmes. Within the framework of the AEPP, resources had been increased for a number of activities including: on-the-job training and integrated programmes of training and formal education which aimed at increasing the education level of youth, long-term unemployed and beneficiaries; project learning for young adults for the academic year 2006–07; project of non-market employment programmes; and on-the-job training in workshops and learning companies. The Committee would appreciate continuing to receive information on how the measures taken to promote full and productive employment operate within a “framework of a coordinated economic and social policy”. Please also include in the Government’s next report information on the results of any evaluation done by the Government and the social partners on the difficulties encountered and the results obtained with respect to the employment policy orientations included in the AEPP.

3. Vulnerable workers. In reply to previous comments made concerning measures taken to increase the employment rate among vulnerable groups, in particular older workers and those faced with structural changes, the Government indicated that special attention was being devoted to unemployed women who are particularly affected by structural changes in the economy. The assistance in employing long-term unemployed women has helped 411 women between 2005 and the first half of 2006 into employment. Under the promoting new employment for the elderly programme, financial subsidies were available to support the reintegration of older workers into employment. Between 2005 and the first half of 2006, 191 unemployed persons had been integrated into the labour market. An experimental programme had also been introduced to fight against age-based discrimination in the labour market and promote employment of older workers. A subsidy had been introduced to promote the employment of disadvantaged groups such as the unemployed and workers from industrial sectors undergoing restructuring. In 2005, 2,819 persons had benefited from this subsidy. The Committee asks the Government to keep it informed on the impact of the measures taken to provide lasting employment to young workers under the age of 26 years and first-time employment seekers, as well as to keep older workers in the active life.

4. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Government indicated that the partnership councils for human resources development had been established in each of the 12 regional offices of the employment service of Slovenia, in which all relevant institutions of regional and local importance had been invited to participate. The councils meet twice a year and establish the state of the labour market, as well as development programmes in local communities and educational programmes and propose measures in the field of the active employment policy. They played a primary role in developing the National Development Plan 2007–13, the National Strategic Reference Framework 2007–13 and the Human Resources Operative Programme 2007–13. The councils are also involved in the preparation of regional development programmes which form an integral part of the national development plan. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the manner in which the representatives of the persons affected are consulted in relation to employment policies.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

1. The Committee notes the Government’s report for the period ending in May 2004 containing detailed information in reply to previous comments. In its report, the Government refers to the implementation of the National Action Employment Programme for 2004, prepared on the basis of the European Employment Strategy. The Government reports that the working active population had increased (from 758,473 in 1999 to 783,686 in June 2004), and the number of employed in the industrial activities and in the services sector also increased. In August 2004, there were 90,314 unemployed persons. It is expected that approximately 15,000 direct entries to employment will be achieved and at least 11,400 unemployed persons will be included in programmes of education and vocational training. The Government indicates that, despite certain positive shifts, the pattern of unemployment still remains problematic, disproportionately affecting older persons, persons without vocational education, women and long-term unemployed. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on how the measures taken to promote full and productive employment operate within a "framework of a coordinated economic and social policy". Please also include in the Government’s next report information on the achievements in terms of employment generation of the National Action Employment Programme (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention).

2. The Government indicates that special attention is devoted to unemployed women who are particularly affected by the poor state of the textile, leather and footwear industries. A large proportion of the workers affected by redundancies in the garment sector are workers aged from 45 to 54 years for the most part without vocational education. The Committee asks the Government to submit information on the measures taken to increase the employment rate among older workers and to protect workers affected by structural changes in the economy. Please also indicate the results achieved by the programmes implemented at regional level by the Employment Institute.

3. Consultation with representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations and other sectors in connection with employment policy. The Committee notes with interest the information provided by the Government indicating that, in the future, a second level of consultation will be established at regional level. Partners councils will be established by the Employment Institute in which all relevant institutions of regional and local importance will be invited to participate. The strategy of development for the labour market and employment policy will be defined by the local environment. The Committee would appreciate continuing to receive information in this regard (Article 3).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 2003 direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the Government’s report received in February 2003 for the period ending May 2002 and the detailed replies to the 2000 direct request.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. The Government indicates that employment grew by 1.7 per cent in 2001, which represents the highest annual level since 1987. The employment rate stood at 63.9 per cent. In spite of recent progress, this figure has regressed since 1998 when it stood at 65.1 per cent. In terms of employment, the service sector grew by 2.7 per cent while the manufacturing sector grew by 0.9 per cent. The unemployment rate decreased from 7.9 per cent in 1998 to 6.4 per cent in 2001. Youth unemployment also decreased slightly - by 0.5 per cent - as compared to 1998 but remains disproportionately high at 18.1 per cent. Please continue to provide information on the impact of restructuring of employment and relevant data by age and gender.

2. The Government states that it is pursuing an active employment policy modelled on guidelines recommended by the European Union and has adopted a National Programme of Development of the Labour Market and Employment to 2006 that introduces an integral approach to reducing unemployment and stimulating employment through active and coordinated cooperation among economic, educational and financial spheres. The Committee would appreciate being kept informed of progress made in this respect.

3. The Government acknowledges the significant regional gaps in terms of employment and the sizeable dimension of informal economy employment in Slovenia. Please continue to report on government efforts to promote employment in disadvantaged regions and to provide productive work for informal economy workers.

4. Article 2. The Government indicates that all employment programmes adopted are regularly monitored by the Employment Institute and are evaluated on the basis of the content, suitability and effectiveness of the programme. This information is used in assessing their impact on employment promotion and to formulate changes in policy as necessary. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide some examples of how policy has changed. The Committee would also appreciate receiving further information on how employment programmes and policies are reviewed within the framework of coordinated economic and social policies.

5. Article 3. The Committee notes the information received on the consultative role of the Economic and Social Council (ESSS) in the preparation of legislation and its capacity to issue standpoints and opinions on different matters, such as working and draft documents. It asks the Government to provide more information on the negotiation of tripartite accords within the framework of the ESSS and on any other efforts to engage social partners and other groups in employment promotion.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

The Committee notes the Government’s report received in February 2003 for the period ending May 2002 and the detailed replies to the 2000 direct request.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. The Government indicates that employment grew by 1.7 per cent in 2001, which represents the highest annual level since 1987. The employment rate stood at 63.9 per cent. In spite of recent progress, this figure has regressed since 1998 when it stood at 65.1 per cent. In terms of employment, the service sector grew by 2.7 per cent while the manufacturing sector grew by 0.9 per cent. The unemployment rate decreased from 7.9 per cent in 1998 to 6.4 per cent in 2001. Youth unemployment also decreased slightly - by 0.5 per cent - as compared to 1998 but remains disproportionately high at 18.1 per cent. Please continue to provide information on the impact of restructuring of employment and relevant data by age and gender.

2. The Government states that it is pursuing an active employment policy modelled on guidelines recommended by the European Union and has adopted a National Programme of Development of the Labour Market and Employment to 2006 that introduces an integral approach to reducing unemployment and stimulating employment through active and coordinated cooperation among economic, educational and financial spheres. The Committee would appreciate being kept informed of progress made in this respect.

3. The Government acknowledges the significant regional gaps in terms of employment and the sizeable dimension of informal economy employment in Slovenia. Please continue to report on government efforts to promote employment in disadvantaged regions and to provide productive work for informal economy workers.

4. Article 2. The Government indicates that all employment programmes adopted are regularly monitored by the Employment Institute and are evaluated on the basis of the content, suitability and effectiveness of the programme. This information is used in assessing their impact on employment promotion and to formulate changes in policy as necessary. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide some examples of how policy has changed. The Committee would also appreciate receiving further information on how employment programmes and policies are reviewed within the framework of coordinated economic and social policies.

5. Article 3. The Committee notes the information received on the consultative role of the Economic and Social Council (ESSS) in the preparation of legislation and its capacity to issue standpoints and opinions on different matters, such as working and draft documents. It asks the Government to provide more information on the negotiation of tripartite accords within the framework of the ESSS and on any other efforts to engage social partners and other groups in employment promotion.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 2000 direct request which read as follows:

Article 1 of the Convention.   The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s detailed report, as well as the Joint Assessment of the Employment Policy Priorities of Slovenia (July 2000). In 1998 GDP growth was 3.9 per cent, the employment rate was 65.1 per cent, and the growth in employment was 0 per cent, but the negative trend in employment growth has stopped. The sector experiencing an increase in employment was mainly in services. The participation and employment rates for both men and women have been increasing. The unemployment rate was 7.9 per cent, slightly up from 1996 and 1997. Long-term unemployment comprised 62.4 per cent of total unemployment. The workers under 25 years of age comprise 18.2 per cent of total unemployment. Unskilled workers are also disproportionately affected.

Labour market policies include employability (through education and training), entrepreneurship (through self-employment and regional development), adaptability (retraining and subsidies for hiring the long-term unemployed) and equal opportunities (including programmes for the disabled and the Romany community). The Government also seeks to improve the delivery and monitoring of programmes. In particular, it aims to improve the public employment service by concentrating resources on those most in need, and improving VET, through the PHARE programme, by tailoring programmes more closely to the needs of target groups and making training more relevant to work. The Committee notes this information and would appreciate being kept informed of the improvements made. The Committee also requests that the Government provide further information on measures taken to reduce long-term unemployment and to address the special needs of regions with particularly high levels of unemployment.

Article 2.   The Committee notes that the Government is in the process of carrying out an employment policy review with the European Commission. It would appreciate receiving a copy of this report when it is completed and information on any follow-up action taken.

Article 3.   The Committee also notes the Government’s intention to engage social partners more in employment promotion. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the progress made in this respect, in particular on the role of the Economic and Social Council in setting policies, and whether groups other than the social partners (such as rural and informal sector workers) are consulted.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2000, published 89th ILC session (2001)

Article 1 of the Convention.  The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s detailed report, as well as the Joint Assessment of the Employment Policy Priorities of Slovenia (July 2000). In 1998 GDP growth was 3.9 per cent, the employment rate was 65.1 per cent, and the growth in employment was 0 per cent, but the negative trend in employment growth has stopped. The sector experiencing an increase in employment was mainly in services. The participation and employment rates for both men and women have been increasing. The unemployment rate was 7.9 per cent, slightly up from 1996 and 1997. Long-term unemployment comprised 62.4 per cent of total unemployment. The workers under 25 years of age comprise 18.2 per cent of total unemployment. Unskilled workers are also disproportionately affected.

Labour market policies include employability (through education and training), entrepreneurship (through self-employment and regional development), adaptability (retraining and subsidies for hiring the long-term unemployed) and equal opportunities (including programmes for the disabled and the Romany community). The Government also seeks to improve the delivery and monitoring of programmes. In particular, it aims to improve the public employment service by concentrating resources on those most in need, and improving VET, through the PHARE programme, by tailoring programmes more closely to the needs of target groups and making training more relevant to work. The Committee notes this information and would appreciate being kept informed of the improvements made. The Committee also requests that the Government provide further information on measures taken to reduce long-term unemployment and to address the special needs of regions with particularly high levels of unemployment.

Article 2.  The Committee notes that the Government is in the process of carrying out an employment policy review with the European Commission. It would appreciate receiving a copy of this report when it is completed and information on any follow-up action taken.

Article 3.  The Committee also notes the Government’s intention to engage social partners more in employment promotion. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the progress made in this respect, in particular on the role of the Economic and Social Council in setting policies, and whether groups other than the social partners (such as rural and informal sector workers) are consulted.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

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

1. The Committee notes that despite the fact that economic activity has continued to grow at a relatively high rate since 1993, the employment situation has not improved significantly during this period. The registered unemployment rate, which stood at 14.4 per cent at the end of 1994, was still 13.7 per cent in September 1996. The Government indicates that the processes of restructuring and adjustment of production to market economy conditions are continuing and that, although the demand for labour has increased since the economy came out of recession, this is expressed in more than 60 per cent of cases in the form of offers of temporary employment. In addition, the inappropriate nature of qualifications offered relative to those required, the proportion of long-term unemployment which represents over half of all unemployment and particularly affects older and unskilled workers, along with the strong regional disparities, tend to confirm the structural nature of the labour market problems.

2. Furthermore, the Committee observes the significant discrepancy between the registered rate of unemployment, established on the basis of data provided by the National Employment Office, and the much lower rate resulting from the labour force surveys conducted by the Statistical Office. In the view of the Association of Free Trade Unions, the contradiction between statistics showing a continuous fall in employment and an apparent improvement in the unemployment figures is due primarily to the removal from the unemployment registers of people who are recruited without a contract; this practice is illegal but the Labour Inspectorate appears to be powerless to combat it. The trade union emphasizes that the number of unemployed people who have lost their jobs following the bankruptcy of their employers, or as a result of privatization, is on the increase. It considers that industrial workers who lose their jobs have no other solution than to withdraw from the labour market in order to receive a retirement pension, which explains the widening gap between the size of the population of working age and that of the population actually working. The Committee invites the Government to provide details of its own analyses on each of these points, by indicating in its next report the factors which explain the discrepancy between the results obtained by the two statistical assessment methods for unemployment, the considerable use of temporary employment and the apparent growth in different types of informal employment, by providing information on the consequences of privatization on employment and by specifying its policy with regard to the early withdrawal from the labour market of workers who have lost their jobs.

3. In its report the Government describes the series of active employment policy measures which are implemented to preserve existing employment in the form of preventive measures to support, in particular, export-based or highly labour-intensive activities, to promote self-employment and to respond to the particular difficulties of the long-term unemployed. It indicates that since April 1996, these measures have been implemented by means of public tenders which allow a more effective allocation of subsidies and co-financing. In addition, a subsidy for the transformation of temporary jobs into indefinite employment has been introduced. While observing the large number of beneficiaries of such measures, the Committee notes that, according to the Association of Free Trade Unions, no assessment of the effectiveness of each of the measures has been conducted. Furthermore, the organization considers that the funding allocated to them is insufficient. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide details of any assessment available of the results obtained by these measures in terms of the effective and lasting integration of their beneficiaries into employment.

4. The Association of Free Trade Unions regrets that the programme of active employment policy measures was adopted in April 1996 without the cooperation of the social partners and without having been discussed by the Economic and Social Council. For its part, the Government points out that the programme was devised on the basis of the 1996 Social Agreement reached with the trade unions, including the Association of Free Trade Unions. The Committee invites the Government to reconsider the procedures adopted in order to ensure regular and effective consultation with the representatives of those affected by the employment policy measures, and in particular representatives of employers and workers, in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention. It also requests the Government to indicate, whether the Economic and Social Council has been granted the status of a legal institution, as provided for in the 1996 agreement, and whether issues relating to employment policy, as defined in the Convention, are referred to it.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1998, published 87th ILC session (1999)

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous comment which read as follows:

1. The Committee took note with interest of the Government's report for the period 1 July 1994 to 30 September 1996, which contains a series of detailed information and includes comments by the Association of Free Trade Unions of Slovenia.

2. The Committee notes that despite the fact that economic activity has continued to grow at a relatively high rate since 1993, the employment situation has not improved significantly during this period. The registered unemployment rate, which stood at 14.4 per cent at the end of 1994, was still 13.7 per cent in September 1996. The Government indicates that the processes of restructuring and adjustment of production to market economy conditions are continuing and that, although the demand for labour has increased since the economy came out of recession, this is expressed in more than 60 per cent of cases in the form of offers of temporary employment. In addition, the inappropriate nature of qualifications offered relative to those required, the proportion of long-term unemployment which represents over half of all unemployment and particularly affects older and unskilled workers, along with the strong regional disparities, tend to confirm the structural nature of the labour market problems.

3. Furthermore, the Committee observes the significant discrepancy between the registered rate of unemployment, established on the basis of data provided by the National Employment Office, and the much lower rate resulting from the labour force surveys conducted by the Statistical Office. In the view of the Association of Free Trade Unions, the contradiction between statistics showing a continuous fall in employment and an apparent improvement in the unemployment figures is due primarily to the removal from the unemployment registers of people who are recruited without a contract; this practice is illegal but the Labour Inspectorate appears to be powerless to combat it. The trade union emphasizes that the number of unemployed people who have lost their jobs following the bankruptcy of their employers, or as a result of privatization, is on the increase. It considers that industrial workers who lose their jobs have no other solution than to withdraw from the labour market in order to receive a retirement pension, which explains the widening gap between the size of the population of working age and that of the population actually working. The Committee invites the Government to provide details of its own analyses on each of these points, by indicating in its next report the factors which explain the discrepancy between the results obtained by the two statistical assessment methods for unemployment, the considerable use of temporary employment and the apparent growth in different types of informal employment, by providing information on the consequences of privatization on employment and by specifying its policy with regard to the early withdrawal from the labour market of workers who have lost their jobs.

4. In its report the Government describes the series of active employment policy measures which are implemented to preserve existing employment in the form of preventive measures to support, in particular, export-based or highly labour-intensive activities, to promote self-employment and to respond to the particular difficulties of the long-term unemployed. It indicates that since April 1996, these measures have been implemented by means of public tenders which allow a more effective allocation of subsidies and co-financing. In addition, a subsidy for the transformation of temporary jobs into indefinite employment has been introduced. While observing the large number of beneficiaries of such measures, the Committee notes that, according to the Association of Free Trade Unions, no assessment of the effectiveness of each of the measures has been conducted. Furthermore, the organization considers that the funding allocated to them is insufficient. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide details of any assessment available of the results obtained by these measures in terms of the effective and lasting integration of their beneficiaries into employment.

5. The Association of Free Trade Unions regrets that the programme of active employment policy measures was adopted in April 1996 without the cooperation of the social partners and without having been discussed by the Economic and Social Council. For its part, the Government points out that the programme was devised on the basis of the 1996 Social Agreement reached with the trade unions, including the Association of Free Trade Unions. The Committee invites the Government to reconsider the procedures adopted in order to ensure regular and effective consultation with the representatives of those affected by the employment policy measures, and in particular representatives of employers and workers, in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention. It also requests the Government to indicate, whether the Economic and Social Council has been granted the status of a legal institution, as provided for in the 1996 agreement, and whether issues relating to employment policy, as defined in the Convention, are referred to it.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1997, published 86th ILC session (1998)

1. The Committee took note with interest of the Government's report for the period 1 July 1994 to 30 September 1996, which contains a series of detailed information and includes comments by the Association of Free Trade Unions of Slovenia.

2. The Committee notes that despite the fact that economic activity has continued to grow at a relatively high rate since 1993, the employment situation has not improved significantly during this period. The registered unemployment rate, which stood at 14.4 per cent at the end of 1994, was still 13.7 per cent in September 1996. The Government indicates that the processes of restructuring and adjustment of production to market economy conditions are continuing and that, although the demand for labour has increased since the economy came out of recession, this is expressed in more than 60 per cent of cases in the form of offers of temporary employment. In addition, the inappropriate nature of qualifications offered relative to those required, the proportion of long-term unemployment which represents over half of all unemployment and particularly affects older and unskilled workers, along with the strong regional disparities, tend to confirm the structural nature of the labour market problems.

3. Furthermore, the Committee observes the significant discrepancy between the registered rate of unemployment, established on the basis of data provided by the National Employment Office, and the much lower rate resulting from the labour force surveys conducted by the Statistical Office. In the view of the Association of Free Trade Unions, the contradiction between statistics showing a continuous fall in employment and an apparent improvement in the unemployment figures is due primarily to the removal from the unemployment registers of people who are recruited without a contract; this practice is illegal but the Labour Inspectorate appears to be powerless to combat it. The trade union emphasizes that the number of unemployed people who have lost their jobs following the bankruptcy of their employers, or as a result of privatization, is on the increase. It considers that industrial workers who lose their jobs have no other solution than to withdraw from the labour market in order to receive a retirement pension, which explains the widening gap between the size of the population of working age and that of the population actually working. The Committee invites the Government to provide details of its own analyses on each of these points, by indicating in its next report the factors which explain the discrepancy between the results obtained by the two statistical assessment methods for unemployment, the considerable use of temporary employment and the apparent growth in different types of informal employment, by providing information on the consequences of privatization on employment and by specifying its policy with regard to the early withdrawal from the labour market of workers who have lost their jobs.

4. In its report the Government describes the series of active employment policy measures which are implemented to preserve existing employment in the form of preventive measures to support, in particular, export-based or highly labour-intensive activities, to promote self-employment and to respond to the particular difficulties of the long-term unemployed. It indicates that since April 1996, these measures have been implemented by means of public tenders which allow a more effective allocation of subsidies and co-financing. In addition, a subsidy for the transformation of temporary jobs into indefinite employment has been introduced. While observing the large number of beneficiaries of such measures, the Committee notes that, according to the Association of Free Trade Unions, no assessment of the effectiveness of each of the measures has been conducted. Furthermore, the organization considers that the funding allocated to them is insufficient. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide details of any assessment available of the results obtained by these measures in terms of the effective and lasting integration of their beneficiaries into employment.

5. The Association of Free Trade Unions regrets that the programme of active employment policy measures was adopted in April 1996 without the cooperation of the social partners and without having been discussed by the Economic and Social Council. For its part, the Government points out that the programme was devised on the basis of the 1996 Social Agreement reached with the trade unions, including the Association of Free Trade Unions. The Committee invites the Government to reconsider the procedures adopted in order to ensure regular and effective consultation with the representatives of those affected by the employment policy measures, and in particular representatives of employers and workers, in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention. It also requests the Government to indicate, whether the Economic and Social Council has been granted the status of a legal institution, as provided for in the 1996 agreement, and whether issues relating to employment policy, as defined in the Convention, are referred to it.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1996, published 85th ILC session (1997)

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous comments which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes with interest the Government's very helpful report for the period ending June 1994. In reply to the request addressed directly to it, the Government has provided a set of detailed information which bears witness to its commitment to achieving the objectives of the Convention and make it possible to assess the results of the policies adopted with a view to their achievement.

2. The information provided in the report shows that, following a period of profound recession, still evident in a decline of 5.4 per cent in gross domestic product in 1992, the economy started to grow once again in 1993 and should achieve an annual growth rate of around 5 per cent in both 1994 and 1995. This recovery in the growth rate can largely be attributed to the improvement in the economic situation of the country's principal trading partners, but also to the choice of economic policy, which has allowed the country to benefit fully from the more favourable environment. Reference may be made in this respect to the active policy to stimulate economic activity and employment pursued during the period, which took the form, in particular, of measures designed to reduce the indirect costs of labour for employers and the adoption of a wages policy, under the terms of the general agreement of April 1994 on wages policy in the private sector, to moderate the real growth of wages within the limits of productivity growth. In order to increase employment stability, the Government also made use of fiscal policy, for example penalizing undue recourse to subcontracting and temporary employment. Greater competitiveness in exports encouraged the necessary reorientation of foreign trade. The Government considers that the positive impact of its stabilization policy in terms of a recovery in economic activity, employment and the containment of inflation are now prevailing over the short-term costs of adjustment. It considers that, during the current period of transition to a market economy, the role of the State remains important, particularly to sustain growth through public investment, and that in the longer term the role of the State is linked to the process of the privatization of the economy, which is proceeding at a relatively slow pace at the present time.

3. In this context, the decline in total employment slowed down over the reference period and the unemployment rate, which reached a peak of 15.3 per cent in December 1993, flattened out at 14.4 per cent at the end of 1994. According to the information provided by the Government, this rate may be even lower (9 per cent) taking into account the fact that around 20 per cent of registered unemployed persons may have a job and are not actively seeking employment. The average increase of 40 per cent per month in the number of vacancies between 1993 and 1994 illustrates the recovery of demand for labour and reflects the improvement in the economic situation. However, the Government emphasizes that the large proportion of long-term unemployment (62 per cent of total unemployment in 1994, as compared with 51 per cent in 1992), as well as the continued high rate of unemployment among young persons under 26 years of age (of whom 33.5 per cent were unemployed in 1994, compared with 41 per cent in 1992) and the fact that nearly half of unemployed persons have no skills, are all indicators of the essentially structural nature of unemployment.

4. The Government describes in detail all the active labour market policy measures implemented by the national employment service to prevent and combat unemployment. The Committee notes in particular the emphasis placed on training and the measures to prevent terminations of employment for economic and structural reasons. It also notes the increase in the number of beneficiaries of the programme to promote self-employment, and the facility offered to jobseekers to receive their unemployment benefit in the form of a lump-sum payment so that they can embark upon a self-employed activity. The Committee also notes that, despite their temporary nature, public works programmes promote the long-term employment of their participants, whereas assignments in enterprises appear to have been less effective. Furthermore, the Committee notes with interest the information provided on the activities and policy of the employment service in the Government's first report on the application of Convention No. 88.

5. The Committee notes the Government's concern that the effectiveness of each of these employment policy measures should be evaluated and that new and more suitable measures should be sought, where appropriate, to regulate the labour market and assist the unemployed. It has also been informed of the Government's intention to hold a tripartite national conference in 1996 to discuss these matters. The Committee requests the Government to continue supplying detailed information on the manner in which employment policy measures are determined and kept under review, within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy, in consultation with the representatives of the persons affected, in accordance with Articles 2 and 3 of the Convention. It hopes that all the policies that are implemented will make it possible to achieve a significant improvement in the employment situation in the near future.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 83rd ILC session (1996)

1. The Committee notes with interest the Government's very helpful report for the period ending June 1994. In reply to the request addressed directly to it, the Government has provided a set of detailed information which bears witness to its commitment to achieving the objectives of the Convention and make it possible to assess the results of the policies adopted with a view to their achievement.

2. The information provided in the report shows that, following a period of profound recession, still evident in a decline of 5.4 per cent in gross domestic product in 1992, the economy started to grow once again in 1993 and should achieve an annual growth rate of around 5 per cent in both 1994 and 1995. This recovery in the growth rate can largely be attributed to the improvement in the economic situation of the country's principal trading partners, but also to the choice of economic policy, which has allowed the country to benefit fully from the more favourable environment. Reference may be made in this respect to the active policy to stimulate economic activity and employment pursued during the period, which took the form, in particular, of measures designed to reduce the indirect costs of labour for employers and the adoption of a wages policy, under the terms of the general agreement of April 1994 on wages policy in the private sector, to moderate the real growth of wages within the limits of productivity growth. In order to increase employment stability, the Government also made use of fiscal policy, for example penalizing undue recourse to subcontracting and temporary employment. Greater competitiveness in exports encouraged the necessary reorientation of foreign trade. The Government considers that the positive impact of its stabilization policy in terms of a recovery in economic activity, employment and the containment of inflation are now prevailing over the short-term costs of adjustment. It considers that, during the current period of transition to a market economy, the role of the State remains important, particularly to sustain growth through public investment, and that in the longer term the role of the State is linked to the process of the privatization of the economy, which is proceeding at a relatively slow pace at the present time.

3. In this context, the decline in total employment slowed down over the reference period and the unemployment rate, which reached a peak of 15.3 per cent in December 1993, flattened out at 14.4 per cent at the end of 1994. According to the information provided by the Government, this rate may be even lower (9 per cent) taking into account the fact that around 20 per cent of registered unemployed persons may have a job and are not actively seeking employment. The average increase of 40 per cent per month in the number of vacancies between 1993 and 1994 illustrates the recovery of demand for labour and reflects the improvement in the economic situation. However, the Government emphasizes that the large proportion of long-term unemployment (62 per cent of total unemployment in 1994, as compared with 51 per cent in 1992), as well as the continued high rate of unemployment among young persons under 26 years of age (of whom 33.5 per cent were unemployed in 1994, compared with 41 per cent in 1992) and the fact that nearly half of unemployed persons have no skills, are all indicators of the essentially structural nature of unemployment.

4. The Government describes in detail all the active labour market policy measures implemented by the national employment service to prevent and combat unemployment. The Committee notes in particular the emphasis placed on training and the measures to prevent terminations of employment for economic and structural reasons. It also notes the increase in the number of beneficiaries of the programme to promote self-employment, and the facility offered to jobseekers to receive their unemployment benefit in the form of a lump-sum payment so that they can embark upon a self-employed activity. The Committee also notes that, despite their temporary nature, public works programmes promote the long-term employment of their participants, whereas assignments in enterprises appear to have been less effective. Furthermore, the Committee notes with interest the information provided on the activities and policy of the employment service in the Government's first report on the application of Convention No. 88.

5. The Committee notes the Government's concern that the effectiveness of each of these employment policy measures should be evaluated and that new and more suitable measures should be sought, where appropriate, to regulate the labour market and assist the unemployed. It has also been informed of the Government's intention to hold a tripartite national conference in 1996 to discuss these matters. The Committee requests the Government to continue supplying detailed information on the manner in which employment policy measures are determined and kept under review, within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy, in consultation with the representatives of the persons affected, in accordance with Articles 2 and 3 of the Convention. It hopes that all the policies that are implemented will make it possible to achieve a significant improvement in the employment situation in the near future.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

The Committee notes with interest the Government's report for the period ending June 1992 containing most useful information on trends in employment and unemployment, the principles of the employment policy and measures to combat unemployment. It would be grateful if in its next report the Government would again provide information which is as detailed as possible in answer to the questions in the report form, with particular reference to the following points.

1. The Government indicates that the employment situation started to deteriorate in 1988 and has continued to do so in the period covered by the report. Total employment dropped by 8 per cent between 1988 and 1992 and unemployment rose rapidly. The unemployment rate, which was less than 2 per cent in 1988, reached 5.9 per cent at the end of 1990, 10.1 per cent at the end of 1991 and 11 per cent by June 1992. The Committee notes that unemployment particularly affects the under-26 age group which at that date showed an unemployment rate of over 20 per cent, and skilled workers who accounted for 62.7 per cent of all unemployed persons. Another feature of unemployment which is becoming a source of concern is its length: at 30 June 1992, more than 50 per cent of the unemployed had been without a job for over a year. The Government also indicates that the total active population has dropped over the period.

2. The Committee appreciates the Government's efforts to provide statistical information which is as detailed as possible. It notes in this connection that the methods for collecting and analysing employment and unemployment data are being changed to improve information on levels of activity. The Committee asks the Government to indicate in its next report any progress made in this area.

3. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, the deterioration in the employment situation is linked to the changing economic and social conditions brought about by the transition to a market economy in an unfavourable economic context characterized by low financial resources, modest investment activity and numerous company bankruptcies. The Government states that in order to cope with the situation, and particularly precarious employment and growing unemployment, in early 1991 it adopted a social programme to stimulate the creation of new jobs by direct intervention in the labour market. In this connection the report refers to the 1991 Act on Employment and Insurance in Case of Unemployment, aimed at ensuring social protection for the unemployed and providing for active employment policy measures. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide information on the application of the provisions of the above Act in relation to the provisions of the Convention. It also asks the Government to provide additional information on other aspects of the employment policy which are likely to have an impact on employment, such as measures in the areas of investment policy, budgetary and monetary policy, prices, incomes and wages policies. The Government is asked to state how it ensures that the objective of full, productive and freely chosen employment is taken fully into account in the adoption of any decisions on these matters, in accordance with Articles 1, paragraph 3, and 2 of the Convention.

4. The Committee notes with interest the information on measures to combat unemployment by helping employers to create and maintain productive jobs and helping individuals to adapt, particularly through training, to new labour market conditions. The Committee asks the Government to continue to supply information on jobs created by means of the programme to subsidize employers who recruit for an indefinite period, the results obtained by the programme for the promotion of self-employment and the public works programmes. Please also state to what extent the programme to co-finance trainee income has led to lasting employment for the persons concerned. The Committee notes with interest that a special programme for the employment of the disabled was among the labour market policy measures. In this connection, it draws the Government's attention to the relevant provisions of other international labour conventions to which Slovenia is also a party such as the Human Resources Development Convention (No. 142), 1975, and the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention (No. 159), 1983.

5. In its report the Government refers to the provisions of the Act on Employment and Insurance in the Case of Unemployment, which refer to the representation of employers' and workers' organizations. The Committee would be grateful if in its next report the Government would supply more detailed information on the methods used to ensure that, in conformity with Article 3 of the Convention, representatives of all persons affected by the measures to be taken are consulted concerning employment policies "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". The Committee recalls that such consultations should cover all aspects of economic policy that have an impact on employment, and emphasizes the particular importance of giving full effect to this essential provision of the Convention, particularly at a time of far-reaching changes in labour market conditions.