Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2018, published 108th ILC session (2019)

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Albania (Ratification: 2009)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. Employment trends. The Committee notes with interest the sustained efforts made by the Government to improve the employability of the labour force, reduce poverty and improve the technical vocational education and training system, placing a focus on young persons and specific groups vulnerable to decent work deficits. In this context, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the reorganization of the National Employment Service (NES), enhancing its administrative and training capacities. The NES reform focused on the implementation and evaluation of active labour market policies (ALMPs). As a result, employment offices have introduced a new service model concentrated on the reorganization of working environments, the introduction of jobseekers and employers, offering services in conformity with the European Union Public Employment Services Standards, reviewing existing ALMPs and adapting the respective regulatory framework. The NES reform has led to a transformation of the public employment offices, entailing the modernization of the infrastructure as well as the reconceptualization and computerization of services. The Committee further notes that the reform envisages the reduction of gender skills gaps to increase women’s employability, as well as to address the needs of specific groups, such as the Roma and other ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities and persons residing in rural or remote areas, to ensure their inclusion in the labour market. In addition, 21 new employment offices have been established at the regional and local levels. The Committee also notes that the National Employment and Skills Strategy 2014-2020 and its Action Plan, developed with ILO assistance, aims to provide a comprehensive policy framework for better jobs and increased skills. According to the 2017–21 Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) for Albania, the country’s economic development over the past decade has been accompanied by positive changes in general employment and the reduction of poverty rates. The Committee notes that, while this growth was reflected in reduced rates of unemployment in general, according to the DWCP, the growth in the Albanian economy did not always lead to the creation of more jobs, particularly for women and young persons. High youth unemployment rates remain a concern for the Government, particularly given that close to 42 per cent of the population is under the age of 30. The Committee notes in this regard that, in the first quarter of 2018, the unemployment rate of persons aged 15–29 (24.5 per cent) was nearly twice as high as the general unemployment rate of persons aged 15 and above (12.5 per cent). The unemployment rate has decreased for both age groups since the first quarter of 2016, from 30.4 per cent for young persons aged 15 to 29 and 16.6 per cent for those aged 15 and over. During the same period, the employment rate increased from 47.5 per cent to 51.9 per cent for persons above the age of 15 and from 32.1 per cent to 35.9 per cent for those aged 15 to 29. In the first quarter of 2018, labour force participation rates stood at 59.3 per cent (67.4 per cent for men and 51.3 per cent for women) for those aged 15 and above and at 47.5 per cent for persons between 15 and 29 (54.9 per cent for men and 39.7 per cent for women). The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on progress made with respect to the formulation and adoption of an active employment policy, in consultation with the social partners, as well as on the impact of active labour market measures implemented to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. It further requests the Government to supply updated information in its next report on employment trends, including on employment, unemployment and underemployment; also statistical information disaggregated by sector, age and sex. Furthermore, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on measures taken to improve the employment situation of groups vulnerable to decent work deficits, including women, young persons, persons with disabilities, rural workers, workers belonging to the Roma and other ethnic minorities, and those in the informal economy. The Committee further requests the Government to provide information on measures taken or contemplated to improve job creation and increase labour market participation, particularly for young persons.

Vocational education and training. The Committee notes that, according to the DWCP, NES surveys carried out in Albania in 2008, 2010 and 2012 found that there were skills gaps in all sectors of the economy. Moreover, Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is offered in 53 existing schools, which are almost all located in urban areas. The Committee notes the adoption of Law No. 15/2017 on Vocational Education and Training of 16 February 2017, which seeks to enhance skills development to address the skills gap. It also notes the adoption of Decision No. 64 on the Employment Promotion Program of Young People who gained the Status of Orphans, of 27 January 2016, as well as the support received during 2010–17 from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation as part of the “Vocational education and training (VET) programme”. The Committee also notes the information provided concerning the current United Nations Development Programme project, implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth, which aims to improve youth employment opportunities in the Lezha, Kukës, and Shkodra regions, all of which have high unemployment rates. In particular, the Committee welcomes the project’s focus on young persons with disabilities, with the objective of creating employment opportunities to promote their sustainable inclusion in the labour market. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the impact of the measures taken in the area of TVET and on their relation to prospective employment opportunities. It also requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the social partners and other stakeholders concerned are consulted with respect to the development of TVET programmes.

Article 3. Consultation with the social partners. The Committee notes that the Government has not provided information on this point. It therefore reiterates its request that the Government provide information on the activities of the Tripartite Administrative Council and National Labour Council with respect to the formulation and implementation of active labour market measures. It also requests the Government to indicate the nature and outcome of consultations held with representatives of persons affected by the measures taken or envisaged.