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

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Cyprus (Ratification: 1966)

1. The Committee notes with interest the Government's report and the attached documentation, which includes extracts from the Development Plan 1989-93 relating to measures intended to achieve employment objectives, as well as relevant statistical data. It notes that during the period 1989-90, economic activity continued its sustained growth, resulting in an annual GDP growth rate that was higher than the annual average of 5 per cent set out as the objective in the Plan. The high level of economic activity led to employment growth of around 3 per cent per year and a continued decrease in the unemployment rate, which was estimated at 1.9 per cent in 1990 (first half). According to the Government, unemployment has been virtually eliminated, and pressures on the labour market have resulted in a rapid rise in wages and a moderate rise in inflation.

2. The Government states that the maintenance of full employment remains a major objective of its economic policy. It notes in its report that the existence of labour shortages has led it to emphasise an increased growth rate for the active population, and in particular a rise in the participation of women, by encouraging them to participate in a broader range of occupations and by improving their terms and conditions of employment. The report refers in this respect to the adoption of the Equal Remuneration for Men and Women for Work of Equal Value Law, No. 158/89, and the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Law, No. 66 of 1988. The Committee refers to its comments on the application of Conventions Nos. 100 and 111. Please continue to supply information on the measures that are taken to balance the supply and demand of labour and the results that are achieved.

3. The Committee notes with interest the results of the surveys of 1986-87 on the labour force and migration and on graduating students abroad, which were supplied in response to its direct request. The data provided shows the difficulties encountered by a relatively high proportion of these graduates in integrating into the labour market on their return. The Committee notes the establishment of a programme that is intended to respond in a more general manner to the problem of unemployment among graduates of higher education. Please indicate the measures that have been taken or are envisaged within the framework of this programme and the results that are achieved.

4. The Committee notes, according to the Government's report, that current economic growth is largely due to the growth in tourism and the construction sector, whereas the growth rate of the manufacturing sector has decreased substantially and that of the agriculture sector is lower than the targets set out in the Plan. It notes the preparation of a new industrial strategy intended to modernise the industrial sector and make it more competitive. As it indicated in its previous direct request, the Committee would like to be kept informed of the implementation of this new strategy, its impact on the achievement of employment objectives and the manner in which employers' and workers' representatives are consulted and contribute in this respect (Article 3 of the Convention). Furthermore, it would be grateful if the Government would supply information on development programmes in the agricultural sector that are currently being implemented or are envisaged.