Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Jamaica (Ratification: 1975)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Adoption of a national employment policy. The Committee recalls that it has been requesting information in relation to the Final Draft Employment Policy Concept Paper and the development of a National Employment Policy (NEP) since 2011, when it noted that the NEP was expected to be issued in 2013. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Concept Paper is still being drafted and that the NEP will be developed once the draft Paper is finalized and approved by the Cabinet. The Committee notes that, while the NEP has not been adopted, the annual performance report 2019–20 of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (Annual Performance Report 2019–20) makes reference to the NEP, describing its strategic objectives as including increased local and overseas employment opportunities, and increased accessibility to the Ministry’s services and benefits through re-engineered business processes for major programmes. Noting the central obligation of the Convention to declare and pursue a national employment policy for the promotion of employment and decent work, the Committee trusts that the Government will take the necessary measures to finalize the Final Draft Employment Policy Concept Paper and develop the National Employment Policy, in consultation with the social partners and relevant stakeholders, without delay. It requests the Government to keep it informed of the measures taken and progress made in this respect.

Active labour market measures. Impact of COVID-19. The Committee previously requested the Government to provide detailed information regarding improvements made to the Labour Market Information System (LMIS), particularly on measures taken or envisaged to improve access to information for jobseekers and to ensure the matching of labour supply and demand, as well as to provide information on the labour market situation. The Government reports that it has taken steps to enhance the LMIS, including through the launch of a mobile application in 2019, which has generated an increase in the number of jobseekers between 2018 and 2019. The Government also refers to other measures taken, including partnerships to increase the supply of jobs in the LMIS, the organisation of job fairs, and activities of the Human Employment and Resource Training Trust/ National Training Agency (HEART Trust NTA) to expand access to the labour market demand through training, certification and job placement opportunities. The Government further reports that 3,079 jobseekers were placed in employment between April 2018 and 2019. The Committee notes that, according to the LMIS, the total unemployment rate in 2019 stood at 7.2 per cent (representing 6 per cent for men and 8.6 per cent for women), while the overall labour force participation rate was 64.5 per cent (70.9 per cent for men and 58.3 per cent for women).

The Committee notes that, according to a 2021 report from the World Bank, while the health impact of the pandemic has not been as severe in Jamaica as in some countries, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant socio-economic impact, particularly on the tourism sector, which contributes approximately 30 per cent of GDP and supplies one-third of all jobs. The report indicates that Jamaica’s real GDP was expected to contract by 11.6 per cent in fiscal year 2020-21 and it was estimated that 150,000 jobs were lost between January 2020 and July 2020. In the framework of the Universal Periodic Review, the Government has also indicated in 2020 that the COVID-19 pandemic had exacerbated many socioeconomic development challenges (A/HRC/46/18, 21 December 2020, paragraph 6). The Annual Performance Report 2019–20 includes information on a number of measures taken by the Ministry in this context, including the establishment of a COVID-19 hotline. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed updated information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex and age, on the situation of the labour market, including employment, unemployment and underemployment rates. The Government is also requested to provide information on the nature and impact of any further measures taken to improve the LMIS. In addition, the Committee invites the Government to provide information on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the labour market, including statistical data disaggregated by sex, age, and economic sector, and on measures taken or envisaged to address the challenges encountered. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on lessons learned from the crisis, including on the nature and impact of response and recovery measures taken.

Youth employment. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government with respect to programmes designed to increase opportunities for young Jamaicans, including the Housing, Opportunity, Production and Employment Programme, which has a training and apprenticeship component, and the Hope Youth Summer Work Programme, which enables young people to benefit from paid work experience. The Government also indicates that the HEART Trust NTA continues to provide core skills training to young people, and to support them in transitioning into further educational pursuits, entrepreneurial activities, or job placements. The Committee further notes that the Annual Performance Report 2019–20 of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security refers to additional activities, such as the Social Intervention Programme, which includes a short-term employment component, through which young persons between 18 and 35 are employed for a period of six months, as well as a component offering educational and entrepreneurship grants. The Committee notes, however, that while youth unemployment rates have decreased between 2017 and 2019, it remains higher than the overall unemployment rates in the country, at 21.1 per cent in 2019, according to the LMIS database. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated detailed information on the nature and impact of measures taken to promote access to sustainable employment and decent work for young women and men, including statistics on youth employment and unemployment rates, disaggregated by age and sex.

Women. In response to its previous comments on the impact of vocational education and guidance programmes on increasing the participation of women in the labour market, the Government refers to a number of initiatives that have been implemented to improve the participation of women in the labour market. These include continuous training programmes developed and implemented by the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), aimed at helping women farmers identify income-earning opportunities and develop small businesses. In addition, the Committee notes the Government’s reference to strategies and programmes developed to promote female entrepreneurship through capacity building in ICT, financial and business training. The Government also indicates that the Women’s Entrepreneurship Support Project awards women grants, funding and training. In response to the Committee’s request for information on measures taken to facilitate the transition of women workers from the informal economy to the formal labour market, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the MLSS launched an initiative in 2018, in collaboration with the ILO, to develop an Action Plan to transition Household Workers and Fishers to the Formal Economy. The Committee notes that, according to a 2021 report of the World Bank, the rise in unemployment from 5.3 per cent in January 2020 to 12.6 per cent in July 2020 has reinforced existing gender disparities, with unemployment rates for women standing at 14 per cent during this period, while the rate for men was 11.5 per cent. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the abovementioned initiatives in terms of improving women’s participation in the labour force and their transition from the informal economy to the formal labour market. The Committee also refers the Government to its comments adopted in 2020 under the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111).

Persons with disabilities. The Committee previously requested information on measures taken to improve the employability of persons with disabilities and on their impact, including on whether the HEART Trust NTA training programme promotes access to the open labour market for persons with disabilities. In this respect, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that HEART Trust training institutions enrolled 386 persons with disabilities during 2018–19. The Government further refers to the placement into work of 386 persons with disabilities after being trained with key employability skills and assigned job coaches under the Empowerment Programme. The Committee also notes that the Annual Performance Report 2019–20 states that the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) is responsible for the implementation of policies and programmes for persons with disabilities. In this respect, the Annual Performance Report 2019–20 included results achieved on various objectives promoting the education, training and employment of persons with disabilities, including the number of persons who received rehabilitation grants, and the number of awareness-raising activities conducted regarding the Disabilities Act. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the nature and impact of measures taken to promote access to the open labour market for persons with disabilities, including on the programmes implemented by the JCPD. The Committee also refers the Government to its comments adopted in 2020 under the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111).

Article 3. Consultation with the social partners. The Government reports that it continues to address labour market issues through the tripartite Labour Advisory Council. It adds that, in an effort to increase the supply of jobs in the LMIS database, the MLSS has been partnering with employers from the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce and growth industries, such as Tourism and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the nature and outcome of consultations held with the social partners with respect to the formulation of a national employment policy, as well as on the manner in which the views of persons affected by the measures to be taken are taken into account.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Adoption of a national employment policy. In its previous comments, the Committee invited the Government to provide information on progress made towards the adoption of a national employment policy. The Government indicates in its report that the final draft of the National Employment Policy Concept Paper is not yet available. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on developments in relation to the formulation and adoption of a national employment policy, and to provide a copy of the draft National Employment Policy Concept Paper as well as of the National Employment Policy as soon as these become available.

Active labour market measures. The Government indicates that it has made improvements to the Labour Market Information System (LMIS) services. The LMIS is a job-matching tool as well as a database of qualitative and quantitative information and three components: the Electronic Labour Exchange (ELE); the Skills Bank; and the Labour Market Intelligence. The ELE facilitates the matching of jobseekers with employers and its services are available both online and offline. The Skills Bank is a database of people with certified skills. Qualified persons are encouraged to register online so that employers can find workers with the competencies required. Labour Market Intelligence is a combination of current and historical data on the local economy, population and labour market. It also includes information on training opportunities for youth, sources of funding for education, the most frequently advertised jobs and summaries of labour market research conducted by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS). The LMIS has helped hundreds of persons to access employment. The Committee requests the Government to transmit detailed information on measures taken or envisaged to improve access to information for jobseekers and to ensure the matching of labour supply and demand. It also requests the Government to provide information on the general labour market situation, levels and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, disaggregated by age and sex.

Youth employment. The Committee previously requested the Government to continue to include information and evaluation data on the impact of the measures adopted to meet the employment needs of young workers, including information on the implementation of the Youth Entrepreneurship Programme. The Government indicates that, as of July 2012, the unemployment rate for young Jamaicans aged 14–19 stood at 47 per cent while the unemployment rate for those aged 20–24 in 2012 stood at 30.1 per cent. The Committee notes that the unemployment rate for these two groups of young people is almost twice that of the unemployment rate of Jamaicans aged 25 and over. Unemployment rates for young people aged 15–24 has increased significantly compared to the overall youth unemployment rate in Jamaica in 1990 (25.4 per cent). Young Jamaican females are more likely to have higher rates of unemployment than males, on average, despite having higher enrolment and daily attendance rates in school. The Government indicates that, to address youth unemployment issues over the past two decades, it implemented the 1994 National Youth Policy and the Digital Jam 2.0 programme. Thanks to the Digital Jam 2.0, 4,400 young people found jobs in the fields of micro-work and e-lancing platforms. This programme promotes jobs for youth in information and communications technologies and seeks to facilitate youth employment in the globalized digital economy in the virtual global economy. The Government indicates that the Youth Entrepreneurship Programme is still ongoing. Its main purpose is to provide young persons with entrepreneurship education, assisting them in discovering their special skills and abilities and helping them channel these into business opportunities. The Youth Entrepreneurship Programme will train, for a period of nine months, 50 young people who have completed high school and are currently unemployed, interested in becoming entrepreneurs and at risk of human trafficking. To ensure that the project is sustainable and continues to operate, the Government is seeking funding and sponsorship from several entities. The Committee requests the Government to communicate information on measures taken or contemplated to reduce the youth unemployment rate. The Committee also requests the Government to provide detailed information on the Youth Entrepreneurship Programme, specifying the number of participants that have benefited and whether it is still operational.

Women. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide detailed information on progress achieved in improving the participation of women in the labour market. The Government indicates that women are still more at a disadvantage in the Jamaican job market than men and that, as a result, many of them have turned to the informal economy in order to meet their financial needs. The Government further notes that many rural women are more likely to be found in the informal economy, as they encounter difficulties in acquiring formal jobs in some rural areas, particularly if they have little or no academic or technological qualifications. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed information on the impact of vocational education and guidance programmes on increasing the participation of women in the labour market. Referring to the Transition from the Informal to the Formal Economy Recommendation, 2015 (No. 204), the Committee also requests the Government to provide information on measures taken to facilitate the transition of women workers from the informal economy to the formal labour market.

Persons with disabilities. In response to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government indicates that there has been an overall decrease in employment opportunities as a result of the economic crisis, which has also affected persons with disabilities, who face difficulties in accessing employment. The Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) nevertheless continues to assist persons with disabilities to develop their skills and qualifications. Moreover, the Government has been intensifying its efforts to encourage employers to offer employment to persons with disabilities. In this regard, the Government’s main technical training institute, HEART Trust NTA, is currently formulating new training programmes specifically tailored for persons with disabilities. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to improve the employability of persons with disabilities and on their impact. The Committee also requests the Government to provide detailed information on the HEART Trust NTA training programme and to clarify whether the programme promotes access to the open market for persons with disabilities.

Article 3. Consultation with the social partners. The Government indicates that the social partners have always played an active role in the formulation and development of employment policies. The Labour Advisory Committee (LAC) is the tripartite body designed to facilitate consultation on such matters, as well as on matters related to other ILO Conventions. Since the start of 2016, LAC meetings are held regularly every three months. The Committee requests the Government to provide more specific information on the manner in which it is ensured that active labour market measures are developed and adopted in collaboration with the social partners. It also requests the Government to provide information on the nature and outcome of consultations held with the social partners with respect to the formulation of a national employment policy.

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

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in October 2013. In its previous comment, the Committee noted that the final draft of the National Employment Policy Concept Paper, to be issued in 2013, would intend fulfilling the outcomes of the Jamaica National Development Plan (Vision 2030 Jamaica). The Committee understands that Vision 2030 Jamaica is being implemented through medium-term socio-economic policy frameworks (MTFs) which identify the priority outcomes, strategies and actions for a three-year period. The MTF 2012–15 includes among its priority strategies and actions under national outcome 8 – an enabling business environment: the expedite development of the National Employment Strategy; the completion and promulgation of the new Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Entrepreneurship Policy; the implementation of the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP); and that of the Youth Entrepreneurship Programme. The Committee invites the Government to provide information in its next report on measures being implemented to reduce unemployment and foster a sustainable business environment, especially in sectors that have been affected by the economic downturn. The Committee also invites the Government to include information in its next report on any progress made towards the adoption of the National Employment Policy.

Active labour market measures. The Government indicates that there has been improvement in the existing services of the Labour Market Information System, such as the identification of gaps in employability skills and increased communication with local offices. Moreover, the Canadian Skilled Workers Programme utilizes data from the National Employment Agency in order to provide candidates for overseas vacancies, while the HEART Trust NTA made a trained career development officer available, in order to facilitate employability skills sessions. The Committee invites the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures being implemented in order to improve access to information for jobseekers and to ensure the matching of labour supply and demand. In addition, the Committee invites the Government to include, in its next report, an assessment of the impact of its active labour market measures. The Committee also invites the Government to provide updated data on the active population and its distribution, the nature, extent and trends of underemployment, and underemployment disaggregated by age and sex, as well as other categories for which data is available.

Youth employment. In reply to the previous comment, the Government indicates that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) has launched two programmes, namely the JEEP and the Youth Empowerment Strategy (YES) programme. The former programme, initiated in May 2012, was designed to provide short-term employment (six months) for the unemployed belonging to the 18–30-year age group, with an original target of at least 400 young people placed in employment. Such target was surpassed before the end of the first year of implementation (by almost 20 per cent); moreover, as of the third quarter of the 2013 financial year, 101 persons in the programme were offered permanent employment. In addition, the YES programme, which was introduced in 2008, provides an opportunity for participants to obtain financial assistance, either for educational pursuits or for entrepreneurship. The Committees invites the Government to continue to include information and evaluation data on the impact of the measures adopted to meet the employment needs of young workers, including information on the implementation of the Youth Entrepreneurship Programme.

Women in employment. In its previous comment, the Committee referred to the findings of the Labour Force Survey conducted in 2010, whereby the average participation rate of women in the labour force was 54.8 per cent as opposed to 70.4 per cent for men; and noted that one of the expected outcomes of the forthcoming National Employment Policy was to increase both employment and the average earnings of women. The Committees invites the Government to provide detailed information on the progress achieved in improving the participation of women in the labour market.

Special measures with respect to persons with disabilities. The Committee takes note of the information provided with regard to the establishment, by the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), of a registry for persons with disabilities. The Government indicates that the JCPD has put into place a job placement officer and that each year the Abilities Foundation offers two scholarships for candidates entering tertiary education. The Committee understands that the MTF 2012–15 includes among its priority strategies and actions under national outcome 3 – effective social protection: the review and update of the national policy for persons with disabilities; the pursuance of the enactment of the Disability Bill; the undertaking of mainstreaming of the training of human resources personnel to effectively interact with persons with disabilities; the conducting of a needs assessment survey on education, training and employment needs; and to institute incentive schemes to encourage employers to hire persons with disabilities. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the impact of the measures taken to improve the employability of persons with disabilities.

Article 3. Consultation with the social partners. The Government indicates that it often consults workers’ and employers’ representatives on issues affecting their members; the policies formulated or the suggestions made concerning the best solutions or practices that could be adopted. The Committee invites the Government to provide examples of the measures that were taken as a result of the effective consultation with the social partners, notably within the scope of its forthcoming National Employment Policy.

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

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in September 2011 including detailed information in reply to its previous direct request. The Committee also notes the Final Draft National Employment Policy Concept Paper forwarded by the Government indicating that its forthcoming National Employment Policy, the final draft of which is to be issued in 2013, will be intent on fulfilling the outcomes of the Jamaica National Development Plan (Vision 2030), namely enabling Jamaica to attain developed status by 2030. The Government indicates that the steady impact of the global recession has led to a decline in employment since the unemployment rate increased from 11.4 per cent in 2009 to 12.4 per cent in 2010. Hence, the National Employment Policy seeks to achieve several objectives, such as developing a skilful workforce, overcoming both unemployment and underemployment, ensuring an effective social protection for workers as well as promoting decent work. The Government further indicates that businesses have difficulties remaining viable, especially in the current context of recession. Accordingly, production of Jamaica declined in 2010 by 10.3 per cent compared to 2009 and the purchasing power of the Jamaicans weakened. The annual rate of labour productivity has also been steadily decreasing at an average of 0.6 per cent over the 2005–10 period. The Committee notes that the Government tackled these very issues through several structural measures that aimed at improving the business environment, namely achieving low interest and inflation rates as well as reducing the cost of production in order to enhance enterprises’ competitiveness. The Government also reformed service delivery in the public sector, which led to the implementation of various tax incentives with a view to stimulating the economy and allowing employment growth. The Committee invites the Government to indicate to which extent the measures being currently implemented as well as its forthcoming National Employment Policy managed to reduce unemployment and foster a sustainable business environment, especially in sectors that have been affected by the economic downturn.

Active labour market measures. The Committee notes that the labour market information system was improved thanks to the enhancement of the National Employment Agency’s website; the posting of both jobs and jobseekers was increased and a skills bank was added to reduce mismatch between supply and demand, which allowed more jobseekers to find a job after consulting the official database. The Government also indicates that its forthcoming National Employment Policy will seek to ensure a reliable source of labour market information by increasing jobseekers’ ability to access employment opportunities, making the access to a database of skilled workers easier for policy makers, curriculum developers, career counsellors, employers and investors as well as implementing a proactive and pre-emptive approach to developments in the labour market. The Committee invites the Government to provide further examples in its next report as to the results of the measures being implemented in order to improve access to information for jobseekers as well as ensure the matching of labour supply and demand.

Special measures with respect to youth and women. The Committee notes that the youth unemployment rate has increased from 27.1 per cent in 2009 to 30.8 per cent in 2010. In this regard, the Government indicates that promoting youth employment is of major concern to policy makers, and that 566 youngsters registered to participate in the Special Youth Employment and Training Project in 2010–11. During that same period, 191 young persons were offered a job, while 98 received certification from HEART Trust NTA, 289 completed their mathematics and English aptitude tests and 153 were referred to the Jamaican Foundation for Lifelong Learning so as to improve their literacy and numeracy abilities. The Government further indicates that training and employment of youngsters has been steady even though the recession slightly hindered progress. Women are victims of gender bias in the work environment since they earned 88 per cent of the average salary of men in 2010. According to the labour force survey conducted in 2010, the average participation rate of women in the labour force was 54.8 per cent as opposed to 70.4 per cent for men. The Government also refers to one of the expected outcomes of the forthcoming National Employment Policy which is to increase both employment and the average earnings of women. The Committees invites the Government to include in its next report further information and evaluation data on the impact of the measures adopted to meet the employment needs of young workers.

Special measures with respect to persons with disabilities. The Government indicates that, even though their situation has improved over the last 20 years, persons with disabilities are still victims of discrimination in the work environment, as revealed by the Draft National Survey on Public Attitudes towards Persons with Intellectual Disabilities. The Committee notes that among the factors that lead to exclusion are, inter alia, a poor education, inaccessible workplaces and lower levels of experience compared to the rest of the workforce. The Government further explains that these weaknesses prevent most of the persons with disabilities from finding profitable employment. Accordingly, the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) continues to help them obtain valuable qualifications through various tertiary institutions. Sixty-one seminars and 97 sensitization sessions on disability were then held in 2010–11, 274 persons with disabilities were provided with self-help grants, 266 received assistance through the Economic and Empowerment Grant (EEG) and 62 children were placed in special schools. The Government further explains that, like the other categories of workers, persons with disabilities were also affected by the economic downturn which slightly hindered their integration. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the impact of the measures taken to improve the employability of persons with disabilities.

Consultation with the social partners. The Committee notes that the institutional framework of the forthcoming National Employment Policy was developed in 2010 in close consultations with social partners. The Government indicates that the National Employment Policy integrates some of the aspects of the Decent Work Agenda, which includes promoting social dialogue through tripartite involvement to reduce industrial disputes and increase productivity. The Committee further notes that the lead responsibility in implementing the National Employment Policy lies with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS). Together with various stakeholders including government ministries, non-governmental organizations and key private sector bodies, the MLSS will be in charge of developing strategies, outcomes and indicators through a series of bimonthly consultations and workshops that will be held from July 2011 to June 2013. A National Employment Policy Technical Committee, composed of members of the Line Ministries, trade unions, government agencies and private sector bodies, is also to be set up in order to guide the policy process. The Committee would welcome receiving examples of the measures that were taken as a result of the effective consultation with the social partners, notably within the scope of its forthcoming National Employment Policy.

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

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the detailed information contained in the Government’s report received in July 2009 in reply to the 2008 direct request. The Government, through the National Development Plan (Vision 2030), seeks to outline a comprehensive long-term plan which aims to enable Jamaica to achieve developed country status by 2030. The Government indicates that the formulation process for the Vision 2030 was inclusive and involved 11 national public consultations as well as input from a wide array of stakeholders. The main mechanism for translating the long-term national goals into action is the Medium‑Term Socio-Economic Policy Framework (MTF). The Committee also notes the information provided by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica showing that the unemployment rate increased from 9.3 per cent in October 2007 to 10.3 per cent in October 2008. For this same period, the number of employed women increased by 1.9 per cent and the number of employed males decreased by 1.8 per cent. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report information on the results obtained in terms of employment generation in the short term through mechanisms such as the MTF, in order to achieve the objectives of the Convention.

2. Active labour market measures. The Government indicates that it has implemented the Labour Market Information System (LMIS), which includes an Electronic Labour Exchange (ELE). The LMIS provides information on job opportunities and facilitates job search and matching functions for employees and employers. By providing information on job vacancies in areas of demand, the LMIS prompts persons to become more aware of these areas and serves as an incentive for training or retraining. Furthermore, under an ongoing process of labour reform, the Government has examined various labour market issues and institutions with a view to improvement in labour market processes and to meet the new challenges of globalization. Among the issues that have been examined are: the conciliation process and related institutions, flexible work arrangements and workers’ rights. The reform process has given rise to new legislative instruments, for example, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which is in the draft stage. The second main measure designed to help workers adjust to structural change is training and retraining. Efforts to encourage training have been in various forms, including increased student loan funds and improved loan facilities specifically for tertiary training, and the provision of special vocational programmes. The Committee invites the Government to supply information regarding the impact of instruments designed to match labour supply and demand, on both an occupational and geographical basis. It also asks the Government to include information regarding the impact of labour market reform on employment.

3. Education and vocational training. The Government reports that the Steps-to-Work Programme has just completed year one of a two-year pilot programme. The main targets of this programme are persons aged between 15 and 64 years. The Government also indicates that it has launched programmes aimed at attracting substantial private sector involvement in order to meet the objective of adapting workers’ skills to new technologies. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the results of programmes concerning education and vocational training and, more specifically, information on the impact of these measures on improving the coordination between education and training and employment opportunities.

4. Special measures in respect of young persons. The Government indicates in its report that unemployment among youths continued to be a major issue of concern in the labour market. The unemployment rate among youths aged between 14 and 24 years significantly increased from 33 per cent in October 2007 to 40 per cent in October 2008, and the unemployment rate for persons aged between 25 to 34 years increased from 10.5 per cent to 10.8 per cent for the same period. The Committee notes that special measures have been implemented to provide more employment opportunities for the youth and to improve their employment chances. One example is the National Youth Service (NYS) where youths between 17 and 24 years who are out of school and unemployed are provided with job opportunities and training. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report information on the impact of the measures taken at finding lasting employment opportunities for young persons.

5. Special measures in respect of persons with disabilities. The Government reports that the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, along with specific programmes geared at providing training, provides employment opportunities to persons with disabilities. Training is provided at the Abilities Foundation Ltd, where participants are given vocational training in computer skills and then certified after successfully passing the Human Employment and Resource Training (HEART) examination. Another initiative is the Steps-to-Work Programme, which aims to provide training and employment opportunities to members of households that are beneficiaries of the PATH Programme. Under the Steps-to-Work Programme, a set number of places are reserved for persons with disabilities, thereby increasing their opportunities for training and employment. The Committee requests that the Government continue to provide information on the measures taken to improve the employability of persons with disabilities and any evaluation concerning the results of these measures.

6. Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Government indicates that the National Planning Council, a tripartite body established to ensure the coordination of economic development, is an integral element in the formulation of development policy. The Council operates in an advisory capacity and seeks to identify sectoral linkages in the shaping of policies and plans. In this way, it helps to avoid duplication and to ensure that objectives are convergent. The Committee asks the Government to provide examples of the questions addressed or the decisions reached on employment policy through tripartite bodies such as the National Planning Council.

7. ILO technical cooperation. The Committee invites the Government to include information in its next report on any relevant programmes and projects, developed with the assistance of the ILO, aimed at the creation of productive employment as set out in the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report received in September 2008. The Government lists in its report several active labour market measures and other initiatives aimed at poverty reduction. The Committee also notes from the information provided by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica that, between 2005 and 2007, there was an overall downward trend in the rate of unemployment, commencing at 10.6 per cent in January 2005, and standing at 9.4 per cent in October 2007. The Committee also notes that from 2005 to 2007, the gross domestic product increased by 3.7 per cent. The Committee notes that Jamaica’s economic policies have been guided by the Medium Term Socio-Economic Policy Framework which embodies the development strategy for the period 2004–07. It is hoped that the information contained in the next report will enable the Committee to examine the extent to which economic growth translates into improved labour market outcomes and poverty reduction. In this regard, the Committee requests information on the results achieved by the measures implemented as part of an active policy intended to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment (Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Convention). Please also indicate the manner in which employment objectives are taken into account in the adoption and review of measures under monetary, budgetary and taxation policy, and price, income and wage policy.

2. Employment market measures. The Government reports that an Electronic Labour Exchange (ELE) was established to facilitate the efficient matching of potential employees and employers as well as to provide career information to jobseekers. A total of 296 persons gained employment with the assistance of the ELE during the 2007–08 financial year, and an additional 24 persons gained employment during the first quarter of 2008–09. The Committee asks the Government to supply information regarding the impact of the principal policies designed to match labour supply and demand, on both an occupational and geographical basis.

3. Education and vocational training. The Government reports that it introduced a “Steps-to-work” programme in May 2008 which seeks to enable participants to gain and retain suitable employment. The Government states that this programme will provide opportunities for human capital development and economic improvement, and represents a major shift in approach to welfare from poverty alleviation to the empowerment of individuals by providing opportunities for educational attainment and improving their marketability. The Committee would appreciate receiving information on the impact such measures have had on improving coordination between education and training policies and prospective employment opportunities.

4. Special measures in respect of young persons. The Committee notes that the Government has implemented a short-term labour market intervention programme to promote youth employment, skills training and overall development of young people. The Government reports that the programme aims to provide decent and productive work and training for 10,000 persons aged between 18 to 25 years, at a rate of 2,500 persons per year over four years. The Government also reports that the lead agency is also tasked with getting private sector employers to register with the project so that they might accept the programme participants into an arrangement similar to an apprenticeship. The Government is requested to include in its next report information on the results of the short-term labour market intervention programme aimed at promoting youth employment, skills training and overall development of young people, indicating the impact this programme has had on the employment situation of young persons.

5. Special measures in respect of persons with disabilities. The Government reports that it has in place a National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, which includes provisions for the Government to employ 5 per cent of persons with disabilities who are suitably qualified. This policy is to be supported by a National Disabilities Act which is still under preparation. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the finalized Act is expected to have measures to increase the opportunities available to persons with disabilities, and would address issues such as the accessibility of buildings and workstations; the provision of computer software to facilitate the disabled and adequate bathroom facilities; and discrimination against persons with disabilities in the workplace as well as in education and health facilities. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to improve access of persons with disabilities to the open labour market, and the results thereof.

6. Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide information in its next report on the manner in which consultations on the matters covered by the Convention are ensured, including any examples of the questions addressed or the decisions reached on employment policy through the tripartite boards and committees that exist in the country. The Government is also requested to provide information on whether consultations are carried out with representatives of the rural workers and the informal economy, as requested in the report form under Article 3.

7. ILO technical cooperation. The Committee invites the Government to include information in its next report on any relevant programmes and projects, developed with the assistance of the ILO, aimed at the creation of productive employment as set out in the Convention.

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

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 2005 direct request, which read as follows:

1. Coordination of employment policy with poverty reduction. The Committee has taken note of the statistical data provided by the Government in its report received in September 2005 on labour market trends. The Committee notes that while the unemployment rate has remained relatively stable in 2004 (11.67 per cent compared to 11.4 per cent in 2003), the unemployment rate of women is still more than double that of men and the youth unemployment rate stands at 26.4 per cent. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide disaggregated data on labour market trends, including labour force survey statistics, particularly for youth, people with disabilities, older workers and the long-term unemployed.

2. The Committee regrets that the Government has not provided in its latest report updated information concerning its active labour policy measures. It hopes that in its next report, the Government will be in a position to provide detailed information on the measures taken to ensure that employment, as a key element of poverty reduction, is at the heart of macroeconomic and social policies. The Committee also requests that the Government communicate its forthcoming reports any evaluation available of the impact of the programmes and measures described in previous reports on activity and employment (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention).

3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Committee asks the Government to provide, in its next report, information on the manner in which consultations on the matters covered by the Convention are ensured, including any examples of the questions addressed or the decisions reached through the tripartite boards and committees that exist in the country. Please also provide information on whether consultations are carried out with representatives of rural and informal sector workers, as requested in the report form under Article 3.

4. Finally, the Committee recalls its 2003 direct request and asks again the Government to report on the following issues:

–      The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the work accomplished by the Planning Institute of Jamaica in the field of employment policy and on how statistical information on the labour market is used in deciding on, and reviewing, employment policy measures.

–      The Committee would appreciate receiving information on labour market policy reforms and the Government’s strategy for ensuring that the flexibility and casualization of jobs help fulfil the objectives of full, productive and freely chosen employment. Please also include information on programmes and/or projects developed with the assistance of the ILO and the outcomes of this cooperation.

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

1. Coordination of employment policy with poverty reduction. The Committee has taken note of the statistical data provided by the Government in its report received in September 2005 on labour market trends. The Committee notes that while the unemployment rate has remained relatively stable in 2004 (11.67 per cent compared to 11.4 per cent in 2003), the unemployment rate of women is still more than double that of men and the youth unemployment rate stands at 26.4 per cent. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide disaggregated data on labour market trends, including labour force survey statistics, particularly for youth, people with disabilities, older workers and the long-term unemployed.

2. The Committee regrets that the Government has not provided in its latest report updated information concerning its active labour policy measures. It hopes that in its next report, the Government will be in a position to provide detailed information on the measures taken to ensure that employment, as a key element of poverty reduction, is at the heart of macroeconomic and social policies. The Committee also requests that the Government communicate its forthcoming reports any evaluation available of the impact of the programmes and measures described in previous reports on activity and employment (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention).

3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Committee asks the Government to provide, in its next report, information on the manner in which consultations on the matters covered by the Convention are ensured, including any examples of the questions addressed or the decisions reached through the tripartite boards and committees that exist in the country. Please also provide information on whether consultations are carried out with representatives of rural and informal sector workers, as requested in the report form under Article 3.

4. Finally, the Committee recalls its 2003 direct request and asks again the Government to report on the following issues:

-  The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the work accomplished by the Planning Institute of Jamaica in the field of employment policy and on how statistical information on the labour market is used in deciding on, and reviewing, employment policy measures.

-  The Committee would appreciate receiving information on labour market policy reforms and the Government’s strategy for ensuring that the flexibility and casualization of jobs help fulfil the objectives of full, productive and freely chosen employment. Please also include information on programmes and/or projects developed with the assistance of the ILO and the outcomes of this cooperation.

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

The Committee notes the Government’s detailed report for the period ending September 2003. It trusts that in its next report, the Government will include updated information in relation to the matters covered by the report form including details on the following points.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Government indicates that employment growth has continued a negative trend falling by 2.1 per cent between 1998 and 2000. Despite the decrease in employment, open unemployment has remained stable; it is estimated at 15.5 per cent for the year 2000. The Government also reports that unemployment is particularly high among both females (46.5 per cent in 1998) and young persons (22.5 per cent in 1999). An estimated 3 per cent of the labour force is underemployed, which represents a 40.9 per cent increase compared with 1998. Underemployment particularly affects the female population who accounted for 56.7 per cent of total underemployed in 2000. Please continue to provide disaggregated data on labour market trends, including labour force survey statistics, particularly for youth, people with disabilities, older workers and the long-term unemployed.

2. The Government reports that in 2002 the Ministry of Labour and Social Security launched a Labour Market Information System (LMIS) and Electronic Labour Exchange (ELE) developed with technical assistance from the United States Department of Labor. The LMIS is a mechanism through which quantitative and qualitative information or trends in the demand and supply of labour and other labour market phenomena are collected, stored, analysed and disseminated. The ELE component of the system acts as an online listing of jobseekers’ résumés, job advertisements as well as information on job hunting including interview skills, résumé writing and other functions aimed at facilitating job searching and matching functions for employees and employers. The ILO specialist in the Caribbean region has also indicated that Jamaica is participating in the Caribbean LMIS project, which collects data on macroeconomic indicators, employment, labour conflicts and social protection.

3. The Government reports that the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) has overall responsibility for articulating, advising on and monitoring all economic and social objectives including projects and programmes related to employment. Furthermore, it states that this monitoring process and the new labour market information systems enable policy decision-making to take place in a comprehensive and integrated framework. The Committee notes this information with interest and requests that the Government provide more detailed information on the work accomplished by the PIOJ in the field of employment policy and on how statistical information on the labour market is used in deciding on and reviewing employment policy measures. Furthermore, it would be grateful if the Government would indicate to what extent the labour market information systems have improved the collection and analysis of statistical data.

4. The Government further reports that it has pursued labour market reforms addressing, inter alia, the issues of the conciliation process, flexible work arrangements and workers’ rights. Under the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities (2000) it has established an Education and Adaptive Aid Fund providing scholarships and special adaptive aids for the disabled. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on labour market policy reforms and the Government’s strategy for ensuring that the flexibility and casualization of jobs help fulfil the objectives of full, productive and freely chosen employment. Please also include information on programmes and/or projects developed with the assistance of the ILO and the outcomes of this cooperation.

5. Article 3. The Government explains that consultations with the social partners take place through boards such as the HEART Board, the Apprenticeship Board and the Training Board. Additionally, to deal with new labour policies and approaches there exists a tripartite Labour Advisory Committee that meets "periodically" to examine these issues. The Committee refers to Article 3 of the Convention which calls for regular consultations with representatives of employers and workers with a view to taking fully into account their experience and views and securing their full cooperation in formulating and enlisting support for employment policies.  The Committee would be grateful if the Government could provide further information on the manner in which such consultations in the matters covered by the Convention are ensured, including any examples of the questions addressed or the decisions reached through the tripartite boards and committees that the Government has described. Please also provide information on whether consultations are carried out with representatives of rural and informal sector workers, as requested in the report form under Article 3.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

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:

        The Committee notes the Government’s statement that part-time work increased by more than full-time work, but without any apparent net gains to the labour market. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the Government’s strategy for ensuring that the flexibility and casualization of jobs help fulfil the objectives of full, productive and freely chosen work.

        The Government reports that programmes for youth include training, education, work ethic instruction, apprenticeships, encouraging own-account employment and supporting youth-run cooperatives. The Committee understands that the National Youth Policy is now under review and requests further information on the outcome, particularly on how youth policy is considered within the Government’s wider framework of economic and social policy, as required under Article 2. The Government also has set up a micro- and small-enterprise (MSE) coordinating bureau within the Ministry of Industry to overcome problems of regulatory constraints on entrepreneurs and to increase the rate of creation of small enterprises via increased access to credit, training and technical assistance. The Committee would appreciate receiving a copy of any evaluations of the MSE programme and its impact on unemployment, as requested in Part VI of the report form.

        The Committee notes that the main component of the Government’s employment strategy, the National Industrial Policy (NIP), is implemented through the tripartite Industrial Advisory Councils (IAC). The Committee would appreciate continuing to receive information on how the IAC consults representatives of other sectors of the economically active population, such as those in the rural and informal sectors, and how the IAC participate in the review of NIP policies within a framework of coordinated economic and social policy, as specified in Article 3, in conjunction with Article 2.

        The Committee notes that although women comprise 46 per cent of the labour force, they hold 42 per cent of jobs, and represent 65 per cent of the unemployed. It also notes the Government’s efforts to overcome this problem, as there is a high participation rate of women in training programmes, and much of the growth in employment is due to women obtaining jobs. The Committee would appreciate continuing to receive information on progress made in this respect, as requested in the report form under Article 1.

        Lastly, the Committee requests that the Government include copies of the following in its next report, if possible: the Economic and Social Survey of Jamaica, the National Industrial Policy, and the report on implementation of the National Poverty Eradication Programme.

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

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 previous direct request, which reads as follows:

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s detailed report for the period ending September 1998. According to the Government, the labour force decreased in 1997 for the second year in a row, due mainly to a decrease in youth participation, attributed to a decrease in the youth population and an increase in their participation in education and training programmes. Unemployment also increased slightly during this period, from 16 per cent to 16.5 per cent, about 25 per cent of which are long-term unemployed. This increase was due to a net loss of jobs, primarily in the industrial sector, as well as a decline in agriculture, forestry and fisheries due to a prolonged drought. These losses were only partly offset by an increase in the public sector. The Government also reports a steady decline in artisan jobs. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on programmes to ease the transition of displaced workers, and to promote other forms of skilled labour, as requested in the report form under Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee notes that youth unemployment fell by 7.4 per cent, due mainly to more young women entering work. Lastly, the Committee also notes the Government’s statement that part-time work increased by more than full-time work, but without any apparent net gains to the labour market. Therefore, the Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the Government’s strategy for ensuring that the flexibility and casualization of jobs help fulfil the objectives of full, productive and freely chosen work.

The Government reports that programmes for youth include training, education, work ethic instruction, apprenticeships, encouraging own-account employment and supporting youth-run cooperatives. The Committee understands that the National Youth Policy is now under review and requests further information on the outcome, particularly on how youth policy is considered within the Government’s wider framework of economic and social policy, as required under Article 2. The Government also has set up a micro- and small-enterprise (MSE) coordinating bureau within the Ministry of Industry to overcome problems of regulatory constraints on entrepreneurs and to increase the rate of creation of small enterprises via increased access to credit, training and technical assistance. This programme is apparently working, as the number of employers has grown at a high rate of around 25 per cent. The Committee would appreciate receiving a copy of any evaluations of the MSE programme and its impact on unemployment, as requested in Part VI of the report form.

The Committee notes that the main component of the Government’s employment strategy, the National Industrial Policy (NIP), is implemented through the tripartite Industrial Advisory Councils (IAC). The Committee would appreciate continuing to receive information on how the IAC consults representatives of other sectors of the economically active population, such as those in the rural and informal sectors, and how the IAC participate in the review of NIP policies within a framework of coordinated economic and social policy, as specified in Article 3, in conjunction with Article 2.

The Committee notes that although women comprise 46 per cent of the labour force, they hold 42 per cent of jobs, and represent 65 per cent of the unemployed. It also notes the Government’s efforts to overcome this problem, as there is a high participation rate of women in training programmes, and much of the growth in employment is due to women obtaining jobs. The Committee would appreciate continuing to receive information on progress made in this respect, as requested in thereport form under Article 1.

Lastly, the Committee requests that the Government include copies of the following in its next report, if possible: the Economic and Social Survey of Jamaica, the National Industrial Policy, and the report on implementation of the National Poverty Eradication Programme.

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

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government's detailed report for the period ending September 1998. According to the Government, the labour force decreased in 1997 for the second year in a row, due mainly to a decrease in youth participation, attributed to a decrease in the youth population and an increase in their participation in education and training programmes. Unemployment also increased slightly during this period, from 16 per cent to 16.5 per cent, about 25 per cent of which are long-term unemployed. This increase was due to a net loss of jobs, primarily in the industrial sector, as well as a decline in agriculture, forestry and fisheries due to a prolonged drought. These losses were only partly offset by an increase in the public sector. The Government also reports a steady decline in artisan jobs. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on programmes to ease the transition of displaced workers, and to promote other forms of skilled labour, as requested in the report form under Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee notes that youth unemployment fell by 7.4 per cent, due mainly to more young women entering work. Lastly, the Committee also notes the Government's statement that part-time work increased by more than full-time work, but without any apparent net gains to the labour market. Therefore, the Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the Government's strategy for ensuring that the flexibility and casualization of jobs help fulfil the objectives of full, productive and freely chosen work.

The Government reports that programmes for youth include training, education, work ethic instruction, apprenticeships, encouraging own-account employment and supporting youth-run cooperatives. The Committee understands that the National Youth Policy is now under review and requests further information on the outcome, particularly on how youth policy is considered within the Government's wider framework of economic and social policy, as required under Article 2. The Government also has set up a micro- and small-enterprise (MSE) coordinating bureau within the Ministry of Industry to overcome problems of regulatory constraints on entrepreneurs and to increase the rate of creation of small enterprises via increased access to credit, training and technical assistance. This programme is apparently working, as the number of employers has grown at a high rate of around 25 per cent. The Committee would appreciate receiving a copy of any evaluations of the MSE programme and its impact on unemployment, as requested in Part VI of the report form.

The Committee notes that the main component of the Government's employment strategy, the National Industrial Policy (NIP), is implemented through the tripartite Industrial Advisory Councils (IAC). The Committee would appreciate continuing to receive information on how the IAC consults representatives of other sectors of the economically active population, such as those in the rural and informal sectors, and how the IAC participate in the review of NIP policies within a framework of coordinated economic and social policy, as specified in Article 3, in conjunction with Article 2.

The Committee notes that although women comprise 46 per cent of the labour force, they hold 42 per cent of jobs, and represent 65 per cent of the unemployed. It also notes the Government's efforts to overcome this problem, as there is a high participation rate of women in training programmes, and much of the growth in employment is due to women obtaining jobs. The Committee would appreciate continuing to receive information on progress made in this respect, as requested in the report form under Article 1.

Lastly, the Committee requests that the Government include copies of the following in its next report, if possible: the Economic and Social Survey of Jamaica, the National Industrial Policy, and the report on implementation of the National Poverty Eradication Programme.

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

1. The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending 1 September 1996 and the information it contains in reply to its previous request. It notes the persistence of an unemployment rate of around 16 per cent, with women and young people under 25 years old being particularly affected. In addition, underemployment remains the chief cause of poverty, especially for young people. According to the information available to the Committee, growth in employment continues to be inadequate to meet the increase in the active population.

2. In this context, the Committee notes the indications concerning the national industrial policy, in particular regarding investment promotion and trade policy, as well as sectoral policies and small business development. Recalling that, under Article 2 of the Convention, the measures to be taken with a view to attaining the employment objectives must be determined and reviewed regularly "within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy", the Committee would be grateful if the Government would explain more specifically the contribution expected from the implementation of these various policies in promoting employment and the manner in which their coordination and assessment is ensured. In addition, please supply more detailed information on the measures taken with a view to promoting the development of employment in small businesses.

3. The Committee notes the information concerning programmes for promoting the integration into employment of categories of the population who have particular difficulty in this respect. It intends to examine those concerning access of women to vocational training and employment under its monitoring of the application of Convention No. 111. In regard to the training and employment of young persons, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed information on the programme it describes, indicating whether more systematic assessment studies are being conducted or are contemplated. More generally, it requests the Government to describe its National Youth Policy and the manner in which this is coordinated with its global development strategy.

4. Article 3. The Committee notes the indication to the effect that consultations with employers' and workers' representatives take place "from time to time". It recalls that under this provision of the Convention representatives of the persons affected by the measures to be taken must be consulted concerning employment policies, and that these consultations must extend to all aspects of economic and social policy which have an impact on employment. The Committee requests the Government to supply full information on the manner in which such consultations are ensured, indicating any procedures established for this purpose.

5. Part V of the report form. The Committee requests the Government to supply the information required on the action taken or intended to be taken resulting from ILO advisory and technical cooperation activities, including from its multidisciplinary team.

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

The Committee notes with regret that for the third year in succession 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:

The Committee notes the brief information contained in the Government's report for the period ending June 1992, and the statistics supplied with the report. With reference to its previous requests, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply in its next report the information which is necessary to evaluate the effect given to the Convention by providing full replies to each of the questions contained in the report form approved by the Governing Body. In particular, please supply detailed information on the following points.

1. From the statistics supplied by the Government, the Committee notes a tendency for unemployment to decrease or stabilize over the reference period. However, it notes that, although the overall unemployment rate was 15.7 per cent in October 1991, compared with 16.8 per cent in October 1989, it has remained substantially higher among women, and particularly among women under 25 years of age, of whom 42.7 per cent were without employment at that date (compared with 18.5 per cent of men in the same age group). With reference in this respect to its comments concerning the application of Convention No. 111, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would describe the specific measures which have been taken or are envisaged to promote the access of women to vocational training and employment.

2. The Government states in its report that a study is being undertaken to examine the effects of structural adjustment on labour market policies. Please transmit the conclusions of this study and indicate, where appropriate, the measures taken as a consequence. More generally, please indicate the manner in which measures to attain the objective of full, productive and freely chosen employment are decided upon and kept under review "within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy", in accordance with Article 2 of the Convention.

3. The Committee regrets to note that the report does not contain the information requested previously concerning the measures which have been taken under the five-year development plan for the period 1990-1995. It once again requests the Government to supply information on the results achieved through measures to strengthen employment services and training activities, especially to meet the needs of particular categories of workers such as women, young persons and workers with disabilities. Please also supply information on the placement in employment of the beneficiaries of the HEART programme, as well as on the "Solidarity" programme to encourage the creation of small enterprises by young people between the ages of 18 and 30.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 82nd ILC session (1995)

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 previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the brief information contained in the Government's report for the period ending June 1992, and the statistics supplied with the report. With reference to its previous requests, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply in its next report the information which is necessary to evaluate the effect given to the Convention by providing full replies to each of the questions contained in the report form approved by the Governing Body. In particular, please supply detailed information on the following points.

1. From the statistics supplied by the Government, the Committee notes a tendency for unemployment to decrease or stabilize over the reference period. However, it notes that, although the overall unemployment rate was 15.7 per cent in October 1991, compared with 16.8 per cent in October 1989, it has remained substantially higher among women, and particularly among women under 25 years of age, of whom 42.7 per cent were without employment at that date (compared with 18.5 per cent of men in the same age group). With reference in this respect to its comments concerning the application of Convention No. 111, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would describe the specific measures which have been taken or are envisaged to promote the access of women to vocational training and employment.

2. The Government states in its report that a study is being undertaken to examine the effects of structural adjustment on labour market policies. Please transmit the conclusions of this study and indicate, where appropriate, the measures taken as a consequence. More generally, please indicate the manner in which measures to attain the objective of full, productive and freely chosen employment are decided upon and kept under review "within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy", in accordance with Article 2 of the Convention.

3. The Committee regrets to note that the report does not contain the information requested previously concerning the measures which have been taken under the five-year development plan for the period 1990-1995. It once again requests the Government to supply information on the results achieved through measures to strengthen employment services and training activities, especially to meet the needs of particular categories of workers such as women, young persons and workers with disabilities. Please also supply information on the placement in employment of the beneficiaries of the HEART programme, as well as on the "Solidarity" programme to encourage the creation of small enterprises by young people between the ages of 18 and 30.

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

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:

The Committee notes the brief information contained in the Government's report for the period ending June 1992, and the statistics supplied with the report. With reference to its previous requests, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply in its next report the information which is necessary to evaluate the effect given to the Convention by providing full replies to each of the questions contained in the report form approved by the Governing Body. In particular, please supply detailed information on the following points.

1. From the statistics supplied by the Government, the Committee notes a tendency for unemployment to decrease or stabilize over the reference period. However, it notes that, although the overall unemployment rate was 15.7 per cent in October 1991, compared with 16.8 per cent in October 1989, it has remained substantially higher among women, and particularly among women under 25 years of age, of whom 42.7 per cent were without employment at that date (compared with 18.5 per cent of men in the same age group). With reference in this respect to its comments concerning the application of Convention No. 111, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would describe the specific measures which have been taken or are envisaged to promote the access of women to vocational training and employment.

2. The Government states in its report that a study is being undertaken to examine the effects of structural adjustment on labour market policies. Please transmit the conclusions of this study and indicate, where appropriate, the measures taken as a consequence. More generally, please indicate the manner in which measures to attain the objective of full, productive and freely chosen employment are decided upon and kept under review "within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy", in accordance with Article 2 of the Convention.

3. The Committee regrets to note that the report does not contain the information requested previously concerning the measures which have been taken under the five-year development plan for the period 1990-1995. It once again requests the Government to supply information on the results achieved through measures to strengthen employment services and training activities, especially to meet the needs of particular categories of workers such as women, young persons and workers with disabilities. Please also supply information on the placement in employment of the beneficiaries of the HEART programme, as well as on the "Solidarity" programme to encourage the creation of small enterprises by young people between the ages of 18 and 30.

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

The Committee notes the brief information contained in the Government's report for the period ending June 1992, and the statistics supplied with the report. With reference to its previous requests, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply in its next report the information which is necessary to evaluate the effect given to the Convention by providing full replies to each of the questions contained in the report form approved by the Governing Body. In particular, please supply detailed information on the following points.

1. From the statistics supplied by the Government, the Committee notes a tendency for unemployment to decrease or stabilize over the reference period. However, it notes that, although the overall unemployment rate was 15.7 per cent in October 1991, compared with 16.8 per cent in October 1989, it has remained substantially higher among women, and particularly among women under 25 years of age, of whom 42.7 per cent were without employment at that date (compared with 18.5 per cent of men in the same age group). With reference in this respect to its comments concerning the application of Convention No. 111, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would describe the specific measures which have been taken or are envisaged to promote the access of women to vocational training and employment.

2. The Government states in its report that a study is being undertaken to examine the effects of structural adjustment on labour market policies. Please transmit the conclusions of this study and indicate, where appropriate, the measures taken as a consequence. More generally, please indicate the manner in which measures to attain the objective of full, productive and freely chosen employment are decided upon and kept under review "within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy", in accordance with Article 2 of the Convention.

3. The Committee regrets to note that the report does not contain the information requested previously concerning the measures which have been taken under the five-year development plan for the period 1990-1995. It once again requests the Government to supply information on the results achieved through measures to strengthen employment services and training activities, especially to meet the needs of particular categories of workers such as women, young persons and workers with disabilities. Please also supply information on the placement in employment of the beneficiaries of the HEART programme, as well as on the "Solidarity" programme to encourage the creation of small enterprises by young people between the ages of 18 and 30.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

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 previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee takes note of the Government's report for the period ending June 1990 and the documentation supplied in response to its previous direct request. It would be grateful if the Government would provide complete information in reply to each of the questions in the report form, with particular reference to the following points.

1. The Committee notes that the unemployment rate, which continued to drop during the period under consideration, stood at 16.8 per cent in October 1989, the rate being 26.1 per cent for women and 34.1 per cent for young people. The Government indicates that, at the same time, there was a chronic shortage of skilled workers in several sectors of the economy. The Committee asks the Government in its next report to provide detailed statistical data of the level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment by sector of activity and category of the active population.

2. The Committee notes that under the five-year development plan for the period 1990-95 employment policy is assigned two objectives: the first is to attain an adequate level of economic growth to guarantee employment to jobseekers; the second is to provide the economy with the skilled labour it requires. The measures involved concern revival of the activity of placement services, the adoption of an industrial relations policy aimed at ensuring that wages keep pace with productivity, strengthening training activities particularly for categories of the population with specific needs in this area such as women, young people and the disabled. Please provide information on developments in, and the results obtained by, the implementation of the plan for each of these areas. In this connection, please indicate whether any particular difficulties, resulting for example from structural adjustment policies, have been encountered and to what extent they have been overcome.

3. The Committee notes the information concerning the respective attributions of the National Manpower Planning Coordinating Committee (MPCC) and the proposed National Training Agency in the drafting and implementation of employment and training policies. With reference to its previous direct request, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate how the representatives of the persons affected by the measures to be taken, particularly the representatives of employers and workers, are consulted on employment policy, in accordance with the provisions of Article 3 of the Convention.

4. The Committee notes the information on the training programmes implemented by the University of the West Indies and in the context of the HEART programme. It notes that the HEART programme gives priority to training young people from 17 to 25 years of age and hopes that the Government will be able to provide statistical data on the placement of these trainees in its next report. Please continue to provide information on the "Solidarity" programme to encourage the creation of small enterprises by young people between the ages of 18 and 30.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

The Committee takes note of the Government's report for the period ending June 1990 and the documentation supplied in response to its previous direct request. It would be grateful if the Government would provide complete information in reply to each of the questions in the report form, with particular reference to the following points.

1. The Committee notes that the unemployment rate, which continued to drop during the period under consideration, stood at 16.8 per cent in October 1989, the rate being 26.1 per cent for women and 34.1 per cent for young people. The Government indicates that, at the same time, there was a chronic shortage of skilled workers in several sectors of the economy. The Committee asks the Government in its next report to provide detailed statistical data of the level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment by sector of activity and category of the active population.

2. The Committee notes that under the five-year development plan for the period 1990-95 employment policy is assigned two objectives: the first is to attain an adequate level of economic growth to guarantee employment to jobseekers; the second is to provide the economy with the skilled labour it requires. The measures involved concern revival of the activity of placement services, the adoption of an industrial relations policy aimed at ensuring that wages keep pace with productivity, strengthening training activities particularly for categories of the population with specific needs in this area such as women, young people and the disabled. Please provide information on developments in, and the results obtained by, the implementation of the plan for each of these areas. In this connection, please indicate whether any particular difficulties, resulting for example from structural adjustment policies, have been encountered and to what extent they have been overcome.

3. The Committee notes the information concerning the respective attributions of the National Manpower Planning Coordinating Committee (MPCC) and the proposed National Training Agency in the drafting and implementation of employment and training policies. With reference to its previous direct request, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate how the representatives of the persons affected by the measures to be taken, particularly the representatives of employers and workers, are consulted on employment policy, in accordance with the provisions of Article 3 of the Convention.

4. The Committee notes the information on the training programmes implemented by the University of the West Indies and in the context of the HEART programme. It notes that the HEART programme gives priority to training young people from 17 to 25 years of age and hopes that the Government will be able to provide statistical data on the placement of these trainees in its next report. Please continue to provide information on the "Solidarity" programme to encourage the creation of small enterprises by young people between the ages of 18 and 30.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1990, published 77th ILC session (1990)

Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government's report for the period 1986-89. It appreciates the helpful documentation attached to the report, concerning a number of points raised in the previous direct request. It hopes that the Government will regularly provide reports containing full details for each part of the report form for the Convention approved by the Governing Body, with particular reference to the following matters in the next report.

1. The Committee notes that according to the Economic and Social Survey, Jamaica, 1988 (ESSJ) attached to the Government's report, job creation continued in 1988: the level of employment increased by 3.8 per cent in 1988, in spite of a decrease in part-time employment. Consequently the unemployment rate went down from 25 per cent in April 1986 to 21.2 per cent in April 1987 and to 18.4 per cent in April 1988. The survey indicates that the focus of government policy in 1988-89 was expanded to address the adverse impact of the structural adjustment and stabilisation programmes on the population. A new economic programme, which was supported by a Stand-By Arrangement with the International Monetary Fund, was approved in September 1988, and the Government refers in its report to the preparation of the Five-Year Development Plan (1990-95). The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate the extent to which employment objectives included in the development plans and programmes have been or are being attained. Please also indicate whether special difficulties, in particular resulting from the implementation of structural adjustment policies, have been encountered in attaining the objectives of full, productive and freely chosen employment; and indicate how far these difficulties have been overcome (Article 1 of the Convention).

2. Please describe the procedures adopted, in conformity with Article 2, to ensure that the effects on employment of measures taken to promote economic development or other economic and social objectives receive due consideration.

3. The Committee again notes that education and training policy-makers and employers' and workers' representatives serve on the Board of Directors and the Advisory Committee of the HEART (Human Employment and Resource Training) Trust. In this connection, the Committee would like to recall the wider scope of the Convention concerning appropriate consultations to be held on the matter. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate the manner in which representatives of the persons affected by the measures to be taken (including representatives of those working in the rural sector and the informal sector) are consulted concerning employment policies and their various aspects to ensure that their views and experience are taken into account and their co-operation secured (Article 3).

4. The 1988 Economic and Social Survey, prepared by the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), points out that:

The reduction of the unemployment rates of both young and adult women reflect the expansion of initiatives which have been implemented to address the needs of these vulnerable groups within the labour market. However, the persistence of the relatively unfavourable experience of women and young people makes it imperative for further measures which will stimulate economic growth to be introduced thus creating more jobs. Specific emphasis should be placed on expanding non-traditional employment opportunities for women, as well as the expansion of both formal and non-formal training to meet the requirements of the development of the Jamaican economy.

Please refer to measures taken to respond to the needs of persons having difficulties in finding lasting employment, in particular women and young workers; and other vulnerable groups such as disabled persons, older workers, the long-term unemployed and workers affected by structural change.

5. The Committee also noted from the 1988 Economc and Social Survey the information on population and emigration trends. It would be grateful if the Government would supply supplementary information on the population and migration policies in relation to the manpower and employment problems and policies.

6. The Committee notes with interest the complete documentation supplied concerning the HEART (Human Employment and Resource Training) Trust and the five programmes co-ordinated by HEART. It notes in particular that between 1985-86 and 1988-89 about 8,000-10,000 people graduated each year, of whom 60 per cent have been permanently employed by the firm where they have been trained. It also notes that the HEART Trust has since 1987-88 established a Placement Unit with a view to placing graduates into jobs. Please continue to supply information on the actions taken by the HEART Trust in order to provide the fullest possible opportunity for each worker to qualify for, and to use his skills and endowments in, a durable job for which he is well suited. Please also provide information on the activities and progress of the other training programmes implemented through the College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST), the University of West Indies (UWI) and the University Council of Jamaica. Please indicate whether any machinery exists to co-ordinate these programmes.

7. The Committee notes the achievements and targets of the Agro 21 programme which is geared towards facilitating and promoting the involvement of the private sector in agriculture. It notes that action is needed to meet the manpower needs of the programme with regard to the shortage of personnel trained and the underutilisation of existing technical personnel in agricultural disciplines. Please indicate how far these difficulties have been overcome. Please also describe any other measures adopted with a view to promoting further opportunities for productive employment in the rural sector with reference to both agricultural and non-agricultural activities.

8. Finally, the Government indicates that over the past five years small-scale enterprises have increased in number tremendously. It is estimated that small-scale enterprises are responsible for the employment of at least 60,000 persons (not including the rural and the tourism sectors). The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply information on the factors which explain this growth. Please indicate whether any consideration has been given to promoting complementary relationships between small-scale enterprises and other undertakings, improving working conditions in small-scale enterprises, and improving their access to product markets, credit, technical expertise and advanced technology (as suggested in Paragraphs 30-31 of the Recommendation (No. 169) concerning the Employment Policy (Supplementary Provisions), 1984).