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Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Norway (RATIFICATION: 1966)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report for the period ending 31 May 2000.

1. The Government states that the economy had slowed down in 1999, after a prolonged boom, but has started to pick up again. The labour force growth rate has slowed down, from an average of 2 per cent for 1995-1997 to about 0.6 per cent from 1998 to 1999, and was negative for men. Growth in jobs occurred mainly in the health and social services sectors. Growth in unemployment was 6.9 per cent from 1999 to 2000, and mainly affected men and older workers due to a slump in manufacturing. Unemployment decreased for workers over 60, due to increased use of early retirement and disability pensions. There was a slight increase in the number of partially employed.

2. The Government indicates in its report that unemployment increased 12.4 per cent for non-native speakers, due to an increase in the number of refugees admitted. The Government provides "individual action plans" for immigrants, which include language and vocational training and it works closely with the Federation of Norwegian Business and Industry, the Norwegian Federation of Trade Unions, the Federation of Norwegian Commercial and Services Enterprises. The Committee would appreciate continuing to receive indications on how far the employment difficulties of non-native speakers have been overcome.

3. Labour market programmes include wage subsidies, employment in public enterprises, job qualification programs, and temporary placement as a substitute for someone on leave. Special programs for people with disabilities include schooling, in-company rehabilitation, wage subsidies, and employment subsidies for public enterprises. Recruitment services are Internet-based. Please continue to provide information on the outcome of these measures, particularly regarding displaced workers.

4. The Committee also notes the comments of the Norwegian Oil Workers’ Federation, which expressed doubts about the accuracy of Aetat’s labour statistics. The Committee recalls the importance of accurate labour statistics for the development of appropriate employment policies and programs in applying Article 2 of the Convention. It asks the Government to continue to supply information on any action taken or envisaged to verify the accuracy of the statistics used.