Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

Labour Statistics Convention, 1985 (No. 160) - Jersey

Articles 7 and 8 of the Convention. Employment, unemployment and underemployment statistics. Statistics of the structure and distribution of the economically active population. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in reply to its previous comments and notes that the States of Jersey Statistics Unit compiles and disseminates information on the labour force, employment and unemployment, derived from various sources, including the Jersey Annual Social Survey. Employment statistics are also derived from references to jobs filled, based upon the manpower returns submitted through activities undertaken, as required by the Control of Housing and Work (Jersey) Law 2012. These figures are included in the Jersey Labour Market Report, which is published twice a year. In addition, the Social Security Department publishes monthly registered unemployment figures that refer to the number of people registered as actively seeking work. The Committee further notes that data derived from population censuses are regularly compiled, and the results of the censuses are regularly supplied to the ILO Department of Statistics for dissemination on its website (ILOSTAT). The latest Population Census was conducted on 27 March 2011. The Committee requests that the Government continue to supply updated data and information on the methodology used in the application of these provisions, as well as on plans for conducting the next round of the population census. It also invites the Government to provide information on any developments in relation to the implementation of the Resolution concerning statistics of work, employment and labour underutilization (Resolution I), adopted by the 19th International Conference of Labour Statisticians (October 2013).

Articles 9, 10, 11 and 12. Current statistics of average earnings and hours of work. Statistics of time rates of wages and normal hours of work. With respect to Article 9(1), the Government indicates that an Average Earnings Index (AEI) is compiled annually. Information from the AEI is available online and includes information on average weekly earnings and changes in average earnings overall, disaggregated by business sector. The latest round of the AEI took place in 2013. The Committee notes, however, that statistics on average earnings from this round have not yet been transmitted to the ILO. It notes further that no information has been provided in the Government’s report with respect to Article 9(2). The Committee recalls the Government’s indication in its previous report that statistics of time rates of wages were not compiled, but that an independent consultative body, the Employment Forum, had been established by law in 2003, and is charged with reviewing the rates of minimum wages in the island, particularly in low-paid industries. The Committee understands that the Forum recommended a 2.8 per cent increase in the minimum wage as of 1 April 2016 for all workers over the age of 16. The Committee also notes that the information provided by the Government on annual wages by economic sector are not relevant to its application of Article 10. With respect to Article 11, the Government indicates that an annual survey of financial institutions continues to be undertaken each spring, and the survey includes information regarding labour cost for this sector. With respect to Article 12, a Retail Price Index is published on a quarterly basis by the States of Jersey Statistics Unit, and is available online. The Committee requests the Government to communicate statistics to the ILO as soon as they become available and to provide information on any measures taken or envisaged to improve and enhance the collection, compilation and publication of the statistics required under Articles 9, 10 and 11. It also requests the Government to continue to supply updated statistics with respect to Article 12.