Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

Labour Statistics Convention, 1985 (No. 160) - Netherlands (Ratification: 1990)

The Committee notes the Government’s report and the information supplied in reply to its previous comments. It also notes the convergence of opinions expressed by the Trade Union Federation of Middle and Higher Level Employees (MHP) and Statistics Netherlands (CBS) and endorsed by the Government. The ILO Bureau of Statistics is fully aware that the methodology of statistics on labour costs has been altered and that they cannot therefore be compared with those from previous surveys. The ILO Bureau of Statistics provided the CBS with guidelines in 1999 to the effect that such statistics should nevertheless be accompanied by explanatory notes, codes and other technical publication and distribution methods designed to inform users of the lack of comparable features in regard to data from previous surveys. The Committee notes, however, that despite these clarifications, the statistics have still not been transmitted to the ILO. The Committee draws the Government’s attention to its obligations under Article 5 of the Convention, to transmit to the ILO the statistics covered by Article 11, as soon as they become available and as soon as practicable. It would also be grateful if the Government would indicate the measures envisaged to ensure that, in accordance with Article 5 of the Convention, statistics on labour cost, consistent with data on employment and hours of work (hours actually worked or hours paid for), cover the important branches of economic activity, in particular industrial activity (Article 11).

Article 8. Information available at the ILO indicates that the most recent population census (2001), conducted in accordance with a new approach laid down by the European Union, emphasizing economic activity is based on administrative registers containing full and detailed information on employment and social security. A social security database sourcing information from a wide range of administrative registers and sample surveys provides detailed information on persons, households, occupations and (social) benefits. The Committee notes with interest that the results of the method used are published on the CBS Internet site. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply a detailed description of the system so that the Committee can recommend its use by a larger number of members.

The Committee is addressing a request on other matters directly to the Government.