Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Cyprus (Ratification: 1966)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Government describes in its report the employment measures that have been implemented since 2009, including employment subsidy schemes for targeted groups of jobseekers, such as the long-term unemployed, young people and persons with disabilities. The Government also mentions the laws that were adopted since its last report, including the Private Employment Agency Law No. 126(I)/2012. The Committee notes the substantial increase in the unemployment rate from 7.9 per cent in 2011, to 11.8 per cent in 2012, and 15.9 per cent in 2013. During the same period, the employment rate decreased from 73.4 per cent in 2011, to 70.2 per cent in 2012, and 67.2 per cent in 2013. In 2013, the employment rate was measured at 72.6 per cent for men and 62.2 per cent for women. Moreover, there was an alarming increase in youth unemployment from 22.4 per cent in 2011, to 27.8 per cent in 2012, and 38.9 per cent in 2013. The Committee notes the Memorandum of Understanding on Specific Economic Policy Conditionality, included in the Economic Adjustment Programme document for Cyprus (May 2013), in which it is indicated that labour market reforms can mitigate the impact of the crisis on employment, limit the occurrence of long-term and youth unemployment, facilitate occupational mobility and contribute to improving the future resilience of the Cypriot economy in the face of adverse economic shocks. The Committee expresses its concern at the deterioration of the employment situation since its previous observation made in 2011. The Committee requests the Government to specify how, pursuant to Article 2 of the Convention, it decides on and keeps under review, within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy, employment policies, measures and labour market reforms to achieve the objectives of full, productive and freely chosen employment. It also requests the Government to include information on the effectiveness of the measures listed in its report and on any new measures taken to overcome the deterioration of the employment situation.

Education and training policies and programmes. The Committee notes the training measures that have been implemented since 2009, including accelerated training programmes, a subsidy scheme for vocational training combined with employment, and other training schemes. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures taken in the area of education and training and on their relation to prospective employment opportunities.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which the experience and views of the social partners have been taken into account in the formulation and implementation of employment policy measures. The Government is also requested to indicate to what extent consultations have been held with representatives of the persons affected by the measures taken, such as young people, to enable an evaluation of the effective application of the Convention.