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

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

Article 1 of the Convention. Formulation and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training. The Committee notes the Government’s report, received in September 2013, which includes information in reply to the 2009 observation. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (JTUC–RENGO) expressed its concern over discussions on the continued existence of the Employment and Human Resources Development Organization, a core agency which implements measures for the development of occupational skills. In its report, the Government indicates that it dissolved the Organization in October 2011 due to serious criticism from the public concerning the operations of its facilities. The Committee notes from the Government’s report on the application of the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), also received in September 2013, that tripartite discussions were held at the Labour Policy Council with respect to the dissolution of the Employment and Human Resources Development Organization. Views expressed from employers and workers stated that every effort should be made so that employment problems would not arise and the motivation of employees should be maintained and strengthened. The Government believes that there is no impact on the vocational training measures due to the fact that vocational training continues to be provided as a responsibility of the Government even after operations concerning vocational skills development were transferred to the Japan Organization for Employment of the Elderly, Persons with Disabilities and Jobseekers. Moreover, the Committee notes the “Emergency Human Resources Development Project” which is aimed at temporary workers. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information on the operation of the machinery in place for the implementation of vocational guidance and vocational training policies and programmes and on their results. It also invites the Government to provide further details on the “Emergency Human Resources Development Project”.

Article 3. Vocational guidance policy. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the introduction of a “job card scheme” in April 2008. The Government indicates that the job card system makes career plans for jobseekers through career consultations by career consultants. The system also enhances the vocational ability of jobseekers by providing opportunities to receive pragmatic vocational training which combines on-the-job training at companies and classroom lectures at educational training institutions. As of March 2013, the number of people having received career consultations using job cards was 858,000 and, among those, 655,000 people received vocational training. Furthermore, 49,000 participants received on-the-job training and 87.7 per cent of them were employed. The Committee notes that career consultations using job cards and encouraging participation in pragmatic vocational training, such as on-the-job training, will be promoted for more jobseekers. The Committee would welcome continuing to receive information on the implementation of the “job card scheme” and other vocational guidance measures.

Article 4. Vocational training systems for women. In reply to the previous comments, the Government indicates that the “Mothers’ Hello Work” project provides access to vocational training for those seeking jobs while raising children, and 69,000 mothers found jobs in 2012 as a result of employment consultations provided by consultants and information provided by the “Mothers’ Hello Work” project. The Committee notes that this project is intended to provide information on a variety of vocational training in the course of employment consultations. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information, including statistical data, on the impact of the measures promoting access of women to education, training and lifelong learning. Please also include information on the measures adopted targeting other specific groups, such as young persons and the long-term unemployed.

Article 5. Cooperation with social partners. The Government indicates that the “Basic Plan for Human Resources Development”, which is the main policy on human resources development, has been formulated based on the views of the human resources development subcommittee of the Labour Policy Council, a tripartite committee. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations, including through the human resources development subcommittee of the Labour Policy Council, in the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and vocational training policies and programmes.