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

Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - Japan (Ratification: 1986)

Article 1 of the Convention. Formulation and implementation of education and training policies. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report, including the comments provided by the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (JTUC–RENGO), received in October 2008. The Government indicates that it is promoting vocational guidance policies in line with the employment policies set out in the “Basic Principles of Employment Policies” established in February 2008. The Basic Principles of Employment Policies set out the Government’s economic objectives and determine the mid-term policies for the realization of these objectives. The Government indicates that vocational guidance policies are formulated and implemented with due consideration of the employment needs, opportunities and problems. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that its vocational guidance policies are promoted in line with domestic conditions and in a coordinated manner which allows for mutual adjustability with other policies, such as social security policies, industrial policies, educational policies and measures to address declining birth rates. In its comments, JTUC–RENGO expresses its concern over ongoing discussions in the country over the continued existence of the Employment and Human Resources Development Organization, a core agency which implements measures for the development of occupational skills. JTUC–RENGO considers that the abolition of the Organization might have a serious impact on the application and enforcement of the Convention. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the outcome of deliberations regarding the Employment and Human Resources Development Organization, and on the operation of the machinery in place for the development and implementation of comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training. The Government might also take into account the relevant comments provided on the application of the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122).

Article 3. Vocational guidance policy. The Government indicates that the Public Employment Security Offices (PESO) provide vocational guidance with a view to supporting the identification of problems that prevent employment, through conducting individual consultations, seminars, career consultations and counselling, in order to solve such problems. Similarly, the PESO provides support to jobseekers, who do not face particular problems in finding employment or in selecting an appropriate job. The Government also indicates that it implements specialized vocational guidance and vocational orientation services in accordance with the conditions of jobseekers, and provides employment information and vocational guidance for new graduates, in cooperation with schools. In particular, the Government and JTUC–RENGO also make reference to the introduction of a “Job Card Scheme” in April 2008 which is aimed at improving the opportunities for disadvantaged persons to take advantage of human resources development measures; and to promote the transition of such persons to sustainable employment. The Committee wishes to receive further details on the operation of the “Job Card Scheme”. The Government is invited to include any statistics or data available on the effectiveness of vocational guidance provided through the PESO.

Article 4. Vocational training systems for women. The Government indicates that it established, in 2006, “Mothers’ Hello work” in the PESOs which provides employment support to women who seek employment while raising children. Efforts have been made to improve vocational guidance by providing vocational consultations which are tailored to the needs of jobseekers, and to provide child-rearing information in coordination with local governments. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information, including statistical data, on the impact such measures have had on promoting access of women to education, training and lifelong learning.

Article 5. Cooperation with social partners. The Government indicates that the Basic Principles of Employment Policies, which includes policies for vocational guidance and training, was established in accordance with the conclusions of the subcommittee on Employment Security of the Council on Labour Policy. The Committee would appreciate receiving information on the means by which the cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations is ensured, including the subcommittee on Employment Security, in the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and vocational training policies and programmes.