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

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Republic of Korea (Ratification: 1992)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report for 1 June 1998 to 31 May 2000, as well as information supplied in response to previous comments.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Government states that the economy has steadily recovered since the financial crisis, and conglomerates are undergoing restructuring. The participation rate increased from 60.7 per cent in 1998 to 61.7 per cent in July 2000. Unemployment decreased from 6.8 per cent in 1998 to 3.6 per cent in July 2000. In reply to previous comments, the Government states that fiscal, monetary and trade policies are all aimed at promoting the general health of the economy and attracting investment, which lead to employment promotion. The Government has instituted a range of programmes to promote employment, including facilitating job mobility, encouraging employment of workers with disabilities, creating public-sector jobs for the long-term unemployed, and vocational guidance and apprenticeships for youth. Please continue to provide information on the outcome of employment promotion measures.

2. The Committee also notes the progress made in increasing the participation rate of women, from 41.9 per cent in 1985 to 47.4 per cent in 1999. The Government has established a childcare leave subsidy and day care centres, and provides grants and wage subsidies. The Committee would appreciate further information on means other than wage subsidies to encourage employers to hire more women workers, such as focused training to ensure that their skills are in demand.

3. The Committee notes that the Government is encouraging development of private placement agencies, and that 77 per cent of placement agencies are now fee-charging. In light of the critical role of placement services in promoting employment and concern for equality of access to employment, the Committee requests further information on measures taken to ensure that effective placement services are available to all, regardless of ability to pay.

4. The Government states that it has postponed the mandatory retirement age and established special employment placement centres for older workers. It has also identified 77 jobs it considers suitable for older workers and for which it recommends giving priority in hiring and provides wage subsidies and grants. The Committee notes this information with interest and would appreciate receiving further information on measures taken to encourage the hiring of older workers in all occupations.

5. Article 3. The Committee notes that the Employment Policy Council addresses a range of employment-related issues, including macroeconomic policies and safety nets, and includes employers’ and workers’ representatives. Please provide further information on the manner in which representatives of other groups of workers affected, such as rural workers, are consulted.