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

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

Articles 1 to 3 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. Employment trends. Consultation with the social partners. The Committee notes the updated information communicated by the Government with respect to the programmes aimed at enhancing employability, particularly for young persons and specific groups vulnerable to decent work deficits, including persons belonging to the Roma and Egyptian communities. The Government indicates that the average number of jobseekers decreased from 74,686 in 2018 to 82, 921 in 2020. During the same period, the average number of unemployed jobseekers from the Roma and Egyptian communities increased from 5,844 to 7,570, while the average number of unemployed jobseekers with disabilities increased from 518 to 604 and the number of returned immigrants registered at employment offices climbed from 498 to 572. In the fourth quarter of 2019, the total unemployment rate stood at 11.2 per cent, whereas the unemployment rate for young persons between 15 and 29 years of age was almost double, at 21.4 per cent. The overall employment rate for persons 15–64 was 61.6 per cent (68.5 per cent for men and 54.8 per cent for women), whereas the employment rate for young persons between 15 and 29 years of age was significantly lower, at 40.6 per cent. The Government refers to the adoption of Law No. 15/2019 on the Promotion of Employment in 2019, which established a tripartite Advisory Council for Employment. It adds that the action plan for the National Employment and Skills Strategy was extended until 2022, while the Employment Promotion Program was redesigned to focus on employment and vocational training. In 2019, the National Agency for Employment and Skills (NAES) was established, which included the creation of a tripartite Employment Consultative Council tasked with providing employment programmes and VET management. Subsequently, in 2020, the Government focused on restructuring NAES offices at the central and regional levels to improve the country-wide allocation of roles and responsibilities, the clear profiling of employees and the modernization of information technology infrastructure systems. Until the end of 2020, 36 out of the 40 regional offices underwent such restructuring, for which external technical assistance was solicited under the EU instrument of pre-accession and seven agreements with local governments were concluded to strengthen and coordinate employment policies at the regional and local levels. In this regard, the Government also identified the need to improve women’s access to the labour market in rural areas of the country. In 2019, 5,338 persons, equivalent to 8 per cent of the total number of unemployed persons, were included in employment promotion programs (192 of whom were from the Roma and Egyptian communities, 111 were persons with disabilities and 56 were returned immigrants). In addition, 30,391 unemployed persons were placed in employment, a figure 9 percentage points above the target set for that year. The Government nevertheless recognizes that the results of the support afforded to specific categories of unemployed persons was below expectations, which it attributes to their age, education, occupation and other characteristics. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on progress made with respect to the formulation, adoption and implementation of an active employment policy and of active labour market measures to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment, and to provide specific information on consultations held with the social partners in this regard as well as on the functioning of the tripartite Advisory Council for Employment and the Employment Consultative Council. The Committee also requests the Government to supply detailed updated information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex, age and economic sector, on employment trends, including on employment, unemployment and underemployment. In addition, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the nature, scope and impact of measures taken to improve the employment situation of groups vulnerable to decent work deficits, including women, young persons, persons with disabilities, older and rural workers, workers belonging to the Roma, Egyptian and other ethnic minorities, those in the informal economy and those persons vulnerable to intersectional discrimination. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on measures taken or contemplated to increase labour force participation, particularly for women and young persons.

Vocational education and training. The Committee notes that the development and implementation of vocational education and training (VET) is one of the main pillars of the National Employment and Skills Strategy 2019-2022. In this respect, it notes the information provided by the Government in relation to measures developed, in collaboration with the social partners, to strengthen the VET system, particularly under the umbrella of the National Council of Vocational Education and Training. These measures include: the renovation of over 20 vocational schools, provision of teacher training and the adjustment of curricula to the demands of the labour market. The Government indicates that these measures resulted in an increase of enrolments in vocational schools. In 2019, 19,000 students attended vocational schools. In this context, the Government emphasizes that the steering committees managing vocational schools also include representatives of the social partners. The Government adds that, in 2019, 8,818 unemployed jobseekers attended vocational training courses, representing 12 per cent of the total number of registered unemployed jobseekers. Moreover, the Government indicates that the targets for VET-participation set in the Roma/Egyptian Strategy and for persons with disabilities were achieved. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed updated information on the nature, scope and impact of the measures taken in the area of VET to better respond to the current and evolving demands of the labour market. The Government is also requested to provide updated information, including disaggregated statistical data, on the impact of targeted measures taken to provide access to education, vocational guidance and training for groups vulnerable to decent work deficits on their ability to secure productive and lasting employment. In addition, it requests the Government to continue to provide information on the manner in which the social partners and other stakeholders concerned are consulted with respect to the development, implementation, monitoring and review of VET programmes.

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

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.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2015.

Repetition

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. Employment trends. The Government indicates in its report that the Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth adopted the National Strategy on Employment and Skills 2014–20, based on the European Strategy 2020, with the general purpose of encouraging quality employment and opportunities for education and professional training for Albanian women and men. The Committee notes from the report that Albania continues to rank as one of the countries with the youngest population in Europe and that the difficulties faced by young persons to enter and remain within the labour market are numerous. During the fourth quarter of 2013, the labour force participation rate of young people aged 15–29 was 38.9 per cent, whereas it was measured at 69.4 per cent for the 30–64 age group. Looking at unemployment figures, youth unemployment was measured at 28.1 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2013, having increased from 26.9 per cent in the previous quarter. Among the unemployed young people, 61.7 per cent had been unemployed for over a year. The Committee notes the employment programmes implemented during the reporting period. It notes in this regard that on a yearly basis about 6,000 young individuals obtain access to employment intermediation services through the National Employment Service, which represents nearly 45 per cent of the total employment placements realized. The Government indicates that funding for employment programmes had tripled to 270 million Albanian leks (ALL) in 2014 when compared to the 2013 funding figures. From the data gathered until the end of June 2014, 3,078 unemployed jobseekers registered in employment offices were participating in employment programmes. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the implementation of the National Strategy on Employment and Skills 2014–20 and other employment measures adopted in relation to the pursuit of the objectives of full, productive and freely chosen employment. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the employment measures taken to reduce youth unemployment, disaggregated by level of education, age and sex. Please also continue to include disaggregated information on the labour market situation, levels and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment.

Education and training. The Committee notes that legislative changes were introduced in 2014 to transfer governmental responsibility in the field of professional education from the Ministry of Education and Sports to the Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth. The Government indicates that the unification of professional education and professional training under the responsibility of a single ministry was considered necessary for improving administration of competencies, optimizing of the human and financial resources and to orientate education and professional training towards actual labour market demands and perspectives. The Government adds that legislative changes will have a positive impact on education and training, bringing national standards closer to European standards. The Committee requests the Government to continue 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. 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 education and training programmes that meet the needs of the labour market.

Article 3. Consultation with the social partners. The Committee notes that, in order to strengthen institutional relationships between the Government and the social partners, as well as interagency coordination, every ministry will now appoint an individual to collaborate with the social partners for the purposes of training and problem-solving. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the activities of the Tripartite Administrative Council and National Labour Council with respect to the formulation and implementation of employment policy measures. It also requests the Government to indicate to what extent consultations have been held with the representatives of the persons affected by the measures taken, such as young people, rural workers and workers in the informal economy.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. Employment trends. The Government indicates in its report that the Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth adopted the National Strategy on Employment and Skills 2014–20, based on the European Strategy 2020, with the general purpose of encouraging quality employment and opportunities for education and professional training for Albanian women and men. The Committee notes from the report that Albania continues to rank as one of the countries with the youngest population in Europe and that the difficulties faced by young persons to enter and remain within the labour market are numerous. During the fourth quarter of 2013, the labour force participation rate of young people aged 15–29 was 38.9 per cent, whereas it was measured at 69.4 per cent for the 30–64 age group. Looking at unemployment figures, youth unemployment was measured at 28.1 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2013, having increased from 26.9 per cent in the previous quarter. Among the unemployed young people, 61.7 per cent had been unemployed for over a year. The Committee notes the employment programmes implemented during the reporting period. It notes in this regard that on a yearly basis about 6,000 young individuals obtain access to employment intermediation services through the National Employment Service, which represents nearly 45 per cent of the total employment placements realized. The Government indicates that funding for employment programmes had tripled to 270 million Albanian leks (ALL) in 2014 when compared to the 2013 funding figures. From the data gathered until the end of June 2014, 3,078 unemployed jobseekers registered in employment offices were participating in employment programmes. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the implementation of the National Strategy on Employment and Skills 2014–20 and other employment measures adopted in relation to the pursuit of the objectives of full, productive and freely chosen employment. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the employment measures taken to reduce youth unemployment, disaggregated by level of education, age and sex. Please also continue to include disaggregated information on the labour market situation, levels and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment.

Education and training. The Committee notes that legislative changes were introduced in 2014 to transfer governmental responsibility in the field of professional education from the Ministry of Education and Sports to the Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth. The Government indicates that the unification of professional education and professional training under the responsibility of a single ministry was considered necessary for improving administration of competencies, optimizing of the human and financial resources and to orientate education and professional training towards actual labour market demands and perspectives. The Government adds that legislative changes will have a positive impact on education and training, bringing national standards closer to European standards. The Committee requests the Government to continue 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. 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 education and training programmes that meet the needs of the labour market.

Article 3. Consultation with the social partners. The Committee notes that, in order to strengthen institutional relationships between the Government and the social partners, as well as interagency coordination, every ministry will now appoint an individual to collaborate with the social partners for the purposes of training and problem-solving. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the activities of the Tripartite Administrative Council and National Labour Council with respect to the formulation and implementation of employment policy measures. It also requests the Government to indicate to what extent consultations have been held with the representatives of the persons affected by the measures taken, such as young people, rural workers and workers in the informal economy.

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

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Formulation and implementation of a national employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s first report on the application of the Convention received in September 2012. The Government indicates in its report that the purpose of Law No. 7955 of 20 September 1995 on employment promotion, as later amended, consists in pursuing general active policies to support full, productive and freely chosen employment by ensuring that there is work for all those who are seeking work, and that such work is as productive as possible. The Government also reports that the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Energy, the Ministry of Finance and other ministries draft the national employment policies. The goal of these policies is to achieve full employment, improve quality and productivity at work and strengthen social cohesion. The Government also indicates that the employment strategy is intended to achieve the highest level of employment for all sectors of the labour market, gradually shifting from passive policies of unemployment to policies aimed at increasing the level of employment. The Committee notes that employment promotion programmes are active state programmes that operate directly in the group of unemployed jobseekers to encourage them to find long-term employment. These programmes aim to reduce the number of registered unemployed persons and remove them from passive income support schemes. The Committee invites the Government to describe in its next report the developments with respect to the implementation of a national employment policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. It also invites the Government to indicate what procedures exist for assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of employment policy measures in the framework of an overall economic and social policy. The Committee also invites the Government to provide detailed information on its employment measures targeting specific categories of workers, such as women, young persons, rural workers and workers in the informal economy.

Collection and use of labour market information. The Government indicates that, in the field of state employment policy, the labour market is systematically observed, employment developments are envisaged and programmes and projects are proposed to increase the employment rate. The Committee notes from the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) for Albania, 2012–15, that the economic development over the last ten years was accompanied by positive changes in employment and reduction of poverty rates. The generation of statistics being an essential step in the pursuit of an active employment policy within the meaning of the Convention, the Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report updated labour market information on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, disaggregated by age and sex.

Education and training. The Government indicates that vocational training is an active labour market policy, which is implemented through the regional directorates of public vocational training. The aim of vocational training is to train unemployed jobseekers who are registered at the employment offices in order to integrate and reintegrate them into the labour market. The Committee notes the results of the training programmes provided in the Government’s report. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures taken to coordinate education and training polices with future labour market demands. It also invites the Government to indicate the manner in which the social partners and other stakeholders concerned are consulted with respect to the development of education and training programmes that meet the needs of the labour market.

Article 3. Consultation with the social partners. The Government indicates that the highest decision-making body of the National Employment Service is the Tripartite Administrative Council, which is comprised of 13 members, including three members from the most representative organizations of workers and three members from the most representative organizations of employers. It also indicates that the National Labour Council is a tripartite consultative body composed of 25 members: ten representatives of employers, ten representatives of workers and five state representatives. The Committee invites the Government to include detailed information on the activities of the Tripartite Administrative Council with respect to the development, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes. Please also provide information on the consultations held with the representatives of rural workers and workers in the informal economy.

ILO technical assistance. The Committee notes from the DWCP for Albania, 2012–15, that the ILO has contributed to the development of the National Employment Service by enhancing its administrative and training capacities with a strong focus on the implementation of active labour market policies. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the technical assistance received from the ILO on matters related to the application of the Convention.