Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Antigua and Barbuda (Ratification: 2002)

Article 1 of the Convention. Employment trends and active labour market measures. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in August 2013 in reply to its 2011 direct request. The Government indicates that it recognizes the need to formulate an employment policy. It reiterates that, as a result of the global economic crisis, employment generation has been low. The Government adds that it has sought ways of attracting investments to boost employment. The Committee once again refers to its 2010 General Survey concerning employment instruments in which it indicated that ratification of the Convention creates a basic obligation on States to make an explicit formal pronouncement of their employment policy. The Committee once again requests the Government to include in its next report information on measures taken to formulate and implement an active employment policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. It also requests the Government to include information on how the employment measures adopted have translated into the generation of productive and lasting employment opportunities for the unemployed.

Education and vocational training. The Government indicates in its report, as was also indicated in its report on the application of the Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142), that the National Training Agency has not been able to carry out its mandate due to a lack of a proper structure and inadequate personnel. The Committee refers to its comments on Convention No. 142 and invites the Government to provide information on the measures taken in the area of education and training policies and on their relation to prospective employment opportunities.

Article 2. Collection and use of employment data. The Government indicates that it has received technical assistance from the ILO in order to set up a labour market information system. The Committee notes the indication of the Government that the database is in place and that statistical information should be forthcoming in its next report. The Committee invites the Government to provide statistical information in its next report and to indicate how the information collected has been used to formulate and implement an active employment policy.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Government indicates that the social partners are consulted on every aspect of policy design. It adds that it recognizes the wealth of information and experience of its social partners. The Committee reiterates its previous request and invites the Government to address this essential issue in its next report by demonstrating how representatives of employers and workers are consulted with regard to the design and implementation of active labour market measures.