Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Morocco (Ratification: 1979)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

The Committee notes the general observations made by the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), received on 1 September 2019, and the Government’s response in this regard, received on 15 November 2019.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Labour market trends and implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee previously requested the Government to provide information on the impact of the active employment measures taken and implemented to promote opportunities for full, productive and lasting employment. The Committee also requested the Government to provide updated statistics, disaggregated by age, gender, economic sector and region, on the situation and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, in both the formal and informal economies. In its report, the Government refers to the adoption of the National Employment Promotion Plan 2017-21 (PNPE), which places emphasis on an overall and integrated approach involving the economic, financial, budgetary and institutional dimensions and taking into account all the employment deficits and the population categories affected by these deficits. The Committee observes that the PNPE 2017-21 is particularly targeted at young graduates in long-term unemployment, young persons who have left school early and are faced with precarious work, inactive women suffering from discrimination and workers in very small enterprises and the informal economy. The PNPE sets out five strategic directions: (i) support for employment creation; (ii) adaptation of the education and training system to labour market needs; (iii) the strengthening of active employment promotion programmes and the placement system; (iv) the improvement of the operation of the labour market and working conditions; and (v) support for the territorial dimension of employment. The Committee also notes with interest that, in collaboration with the ILO, the Government has established four development projects which are contributing to the implementation of the employment policy: the project for the territorialization of the National Employment Strategy/regions, which supports the implementation of the National Employment Strategy 2016-25; the project to reinforce the impact of sectoral, trade and employment policies (ILO/EU); the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP), developed following the adoption of a National Employment Strategy; and the project to improve the employability and increase entrepreneurship for young persons and women in Morocco, which was completed in June 2018.

With reference to labour market trends, particularly in the context of the pandemic, the Committee notes the study on the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on employment and on very small and medium-sized enterprises in Morocco, undertaken by the African Development Bank and the ILO. The study analyses the effects of the crisis and the effectiveness of the Government’s mitigation measures adopted within the framework of the Pact for Economic Recovery and Employment. According to the study, these measures made it possible to preserve 60 per cent of the 1.5 million jobs under threat. Moreover, very small and medium-sized enterprises (VSMEs) have already been able to benefit from many payment facilities, develop new forms of work and determine their various technical assistance needs. The study indicates that, of a total population estimated to number 35.5 million at the beginning of 2020, 63 per cent of whom are in urban areas, the proportion of working age is 26.5 million, of whom 14.4 million are inactive (64 per cent) and 12.1 million are active. According to the employment survey carried out in the first quarter of 2020 by the High Commission for the Plan (HCP), there were 10.9 million employed active persons and 1.23 million unemployed. The overall activity rate was 45.9 per cent, with a rate of 70.5 per cent for men and 22.1 per cent for women. The overall employment rate of the working age population was 41.2 per cent, with 64.4 per cent for men and 18.7 per cent for women. The percentage of young persons aged 15-24 years who were neither in training or work was estimated at 27 per cent, with women accounting for 80 per cent of this category. The proportion of paid employment was estimated at 85.3 per cent in rural areas and 97.4 per cent in urban areas. The unemployment rate of young persons aged 15-24 was 22.2 per cent in the second quarter of 2019, with a rate of 36.1 per cent in urban areas. Of the 6.2 million people in informal employment, some 19 per cent were young persons and 12.3 per cent women. The percentage of young persons is higher in the informal economy than the formal economy. In contrast, the percentage of women in employment in the formal economy (29 per cent) is higher than in the informal economy (12 per cent). Informal employment represents the majority of employment (nearly 60 per cent) in the private sector. According to the study, the latest report of the National Social Security Fund (CNSS, 2018) indicates that the number of declared workers rose from 3 million in 2014 to 3.47 million in 2018. According to the study, between the second quarter of 2019 and the same period in 2020, the Moroccan economy lost 589,000 jobs, consisting of a loss of 520,000 jobs in rural areas and 69,000 in urban areas, compared with the creation of an annual average of 64,000 jobs over the three previous years. The HCP survey of employment in the second quarter of 2020 showed, in comparison with the second quarter of 2019, a very strong impact on the volume of work and a higher impact on employment in rural areas. The employment rate fell from 42.1 per cent in June 2019 to 39.3 per cent in June 2020. The fall in the employment rate was higher in rural areas with a decrease of 5.6 per cent, compared with 1.3 per cent in urban areas. The unemployment and underemployment rates rose steeply in the second quarter of 2020. With a rise of almost half a million persons (496,000), 311 000 in urban areas and 185 000 in rural areas, total unemployment rose to 1 477 000 at the national level. The unemployment rate consequently rose from 8.1 to 12.3 per cent at the national level, from 11.7 to 15.6 per cent in urban areas and from 3 to 7.2 per cent in rural areas. It is the highest among young persons aged between 15 and 24 years (33.4 per cent), graduates (18.2 per cent) and women (15.6 per cent). The active population affected by underemployment due to the number of hours worked was 957 000, with a rate of 9.1 per cent. Those affected by underemployment due to the inadequacy of earnings or the failure to match training and their employment was 402 000 (3.8 per cent). Total underemployment taking into account both of these components was 1 359 000. The overall underemployment rate rose from 9 to 13 per cent at the national level, from 7.8 to 12.2 per cent in urban areas and from 10.6 to 14.1 per cent in rural areas. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the measures adopted or planned within the context of the implementation of the Pact for Economic Recovery and Employment and on any other measures adopted to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and their impact on the National Employment Promotion Plan 2017-21 and the other projects that are being implemented for the achievement of full, productive and freely chosen employment. The Committee also requests the Government to continue providing statistical data on the labour market and the volume and distribution of labour, as well as on the nature, extent and trends of unemployment and underemployment, disaggregated by age, gender and region. The Government is also requested to provide information, including statistics, on the impact of the measures adopted on the access to the labour market of certain underprivileged groups, such as youth, persons with disabilities, rural workers and workers in the informal economy.

Labour market programmes. The Committee previously requested the Government to provide updated information on the vocational integration of the beneficiaries of labour market programmes, and particularly on the lasting labour market integration of young persons, and to provide information, including statistics disaggregated by gender and age, on the impact of these programmes on the reduction of the unemployment rate. The Government indicates that, in parallel with public macroeconomic and sectoral policies, employment policy is implemented through leading programmes such as the Idmaj, Tahfiz and Taehil programmes and it provides information on their implementation up to 2018. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed and updated information on the impact of these programmes, as well as on their impact in terms of the lasting integration of their beneficiaries in employment. In particular, the Committee requests the Government to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and of the mitigation measures taken on the application of these programmes.

Article 3. Consultation with the social partners. In response to the Committee’s previous comments concerning the involvement of the social partners in the implementation of active employment measures, the Government indicates that the process of the preparation of the National Employment Strategy (SNE) and the National Employment Promotion Plan (PNPE) involved the social partners, who made a series of recommendations and expressed views which have been taken into account in the implementation of the various activities. The Government also reports on the consultations undertaken on the occasion of the regional employment meetings, held in March 2019, with the participation of various regional actors and representatives of all sectors of the population at the regional level with a view to identifying regional training and employment needs. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee recalls its general observation adopted in 2020 on the application of the Convention, which emphasizes the fundamental importance of social dialogue and tripartite consultation in crisis periods. It requests the Government to continue providing information on the consultations held with the social partners on the design, implementation and assessment of the measures and programmes intended to promote employment and decent work, including in the context of the pandemic.

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

Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. Participation of the social partners. In its previous observation, the Committee invited the Government to provide detailed information on the progress made in the adoption and implementation of the National Employment Strategy. In this regard, the Government indicates in its report that a diagnosis of the employment situation has been drawn up and that the National Employment Strategy has been prepared in consultation with the social partners. A tripartite technical committee has been established to monitor its preparation. The Government adds that the views and experience of the social partners have been taken into account throughout the process and that their expertise will be required in particular during the implementation stage. The Committee notes that the principal objectives of the National Employment Strategy focus on the creation of quality jobs for young persons, promoting the participation of women in the labour market and reducing inequalities of remuneration between women and men, as well as territorial disparities in employment, and promoting the formalization of small enterprises. For this purpose, it notes that amendments have been made to the Act on auto-entrepreneurship with a view to promoting the transition of very small enterprises to the formal economy, the Finance Act to promote the recruitment of workers through the coverage by the State of the employers’ part of social security contributions for the recruitment of workers for an indefinite period, and Act No. 16.93 on training internships in order to limit the period of exemption from taxation, establish the requirement for the definitive recruitment of at least 60 per cent of interns and encourage enterprises to organize internships for workers with certain qualifications. With regard to the territorial disparities in employment, the Government indicates that the National Employment Strategy aims to reduce them through the promotion of the environment and natural resources, the promotion of local employment and the implementation of regional employment programmes aimed at employment creation in local services. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the active employment measures taken and implemented, and on cooperation with the social partners in this respect, and on the impact of these measures in promoting opportunities for full, productive and lasting employment, as provided for in Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention. In this respect, the Committee requests the Government to provide updated statistics, disaggregated in so far as possible by age, sex, economic sector and region, on the situation and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, in both the formal and informal economies. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the consultations held with the representatives of the persons affected by the employment measures adopted, such as young persons, women and persons working in rural areas and the informal economy.

Article 2. Labour market system. With reference to the types of studies undertaken to compile and analyse statistics on the labour market, the Committee notes the Government’s reply indicating that they were produced from the National Employment Survey conducted by the High Commission for the Plan (HCP), the principal official source for the production of quarterly and annual indicators of the volume and characteristics of employment, unemployment and underemployment. The Government explains that the HCP makes use of statistical techniques that are in accordance with international standards, thereby attaining a broad and representative geographical coverage, and that the surveys conducted since the beginning of the 2000s have identified certain trends, including a reduction in the activity rate at the national level, the quasi-stagnation of women’s employment, a reduction in the activity rate of young persons (one young person in three is active), a stable unemployment rate of around 9 per cent, which particularly affects women, young persons and urban areas, and an underemployment rate of around 10.3 per cent. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing statistical information on the labour market and on the volume and distribution of the labour force, as well as on the nature, extent and trends of unemployment and underemployment, disaggregated by age, sex and region.

Labour market programmes. In its previous comments, the Government indicated that three programmes had been established with a view to promoting the labour market integration of young persons: the Taehil programme (to improve the acquisition of vocational skills); the Idmaj programme (to develop enterprise human resources and improve management through the recruitment of young graduates); and the Moukawalati programme (to promote very small enterprises and encourage self-employment projects). The Committee notes that the Idmaj programme has contributed since 2005 to the integration of over 518,000 young persons into the labour market, and that the Taehil programme has resulted in the improvement of the vocational skills of over 133,000 young persons. The Moukawalati programme, which is aimed at promoting self-employment, has resulted in support being provided to 33,665 young persons and the creation of 6,800 enterprises. The Committee also notes that the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs and the National Employment and Skills Promotion Agency (ANAPEC) have provided follow-up to the beneficiaries of the Idmaj and the Taehil programmes and that the integration rate of beneficiaries of these two programmes is around 75 and 80 per cent, respectively. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the vocational integration of the beneficiaries of labour market programmes in terms of the lasting integration of young persons into the labour market, and to provide information, including statistics disaggregated by sex and age, on the impact of these programmes on the reduction of unemployment. It also requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that there is freedom of choice of employment and the fullest possible opportunity for each worker to qualify for and to use their skills in a job for which they are well suited, in accordance with Article 1(2)(c) of the Convention.

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

Implementation of an active employment policy. Participation of the social partners. The Committee takes note of the information sent by the Government in September 2013 in response to the comments made in 2011. The Government indicates that sustained economic growth with improved job content is a top priority. The Committee notes with interest that, in 2012, with technical assistance from the ILO, the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training launched a process to devise the National Employment Strategy (SNE). The first stage of the process includes carrying out a study on the employment situation in Morocco, which will be a reliable and up-to-date source of labour market information to enrich the social partners’ discussions. The Government also provides information on the job promotion activities undertaken by the National Agency for the Promotion of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. It reports on the opening of an extended dialogue to gather the views of all stakeholders, and the establishment of a national advisory committee, which will facilitate a common understanding of the development context and the employment situation. The Committee also notes that in 2011, discussions with the social partners led to the implementation of arrangements to promote decent work and explore measures for youth employment. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report detailed information on progress made in the adoption and application of the National Employment Strategy (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention). In this connection, it requests the Government to provide examples of how full account has been taken of the experience and views of the social partners, particularly in the rural sector and the informal economy, that are affected by the employment policy measures (Article 3). Please also include relevant extracts of studies conducted to collect and analyse statistical information on the labour market and disseminate recent data on the volume and distribution of the workforce, and on the nature, extent and trends of unemployment and underemployment.

Labour market programmes. The Committee notes the detailed information on the implementation of several programmes: the Idmaj programme for the development of human resources in enterprises and the improvement of human resource management through the recruitment of young graduates (thanks to which 55,399 persons joined the labour market in 2012). At the time of its evaluation, 75 per cent of the beneficiaries had gained access to the labour market (63 per cent under indefinite contracts). The Taehil programme to improve the acquisition of vocational skills, from which 18,313 persons benefited in 2012. A sample of some 1,400 beneficiaries bears witness, in retrospect, to the effectiveness of the employment-oriented training received under the Taehil programme. The Moukawalati programme to promote very small enterprises and encourage self-employment among project initiators. In 2012, 749 small enterprises were established, and they have generated some 2,000 jobs. The Committee also notes the substantial participation of women in the three programmes mentioned. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report detailed information on labour market entry among the beneficiaries of the three programmes, and particularly on sustainable employment among young people and its impact in terms of reducing unemployment. The Committee also invites the Government to continue to provide information allowing an assessment of the extent to which the initiatives undertaken have ensured freedom of choice of employment and the fullest possible opportunity for each worker to qualify for, and to use his or her skills and endowments in, a job for which he/she is well suited, in accordance with Article 1(2)(c) of the Convention.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s report sent in September 2010 containing information on the points raised in the observation of 2009. The Government indicates that cooperation between the National Agency for the Promotion of Employment and Skills (ANAPEC) and the various administrations takes place via the steering and monitoring bodies set up at national and regional level. The Committee invites the Government to provide a detailed evaluation of employment policies in its next report, as it would like to be able to examine the active and effective policies which help to achieve full employment. The Committee recalls that it already expressed the wish in its previous observation to be able to examine the monetary, budgetary and trade policies that are contributing “within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy” to the attainment of the objectives of full employment set out in the Convention.

Labour market programmes. The Committee notes the information sent by the Government on the resources mobilized in the context of three major programmes relating to training and job placement (Idmaj), employability (Taehil) and enterprise creation (Moukawalati). The Committee hopes that the Government will be able to include an evaluation in its next report of the number of jobs created by these three programmes, establishing the ratio of jobs created during a given period in relation to the total active population, the total population of working age and the number of persons who are underemployed. The evaluation of the impact of these programmes should incorporate data disaggregated by sex.

Women’s employment. The Government provides information in its report on the many measures taken to advance the participation of women in the labour market. The Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training has embarked on a policy of gender mainstreaming. The Committee notes that in 2007–08 women accounted for 43 per cent of persons who completed vocational training. The Government indicates that women continue to predominate in sectors leading to traditionally female occupations and remain very much in the minority in sectors where new investment has occurred. However, in the sectors of information technology and communication, hotels and tourism, there is a growing trend towards parity. The Committee invites the Government to continue to send information on the progress made in ensuring the participation of women in the labour market. It hopes that the next report will contain up-to-date information enabling an evaluation of the extent to which the adopted initiatives have ensured free choice of employment, giving workers the fullest possible opportunity to acquire and use the necessary qualifications, in accordance with Article 1(2)(c) of the Convention.

Employment promotion in small and medium-sized enterprises. In its previous observation the Committee expressed the wish to examine information on the amount of financing allocated to the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, the number of beneficiary enterprises and the economic sectors concerned. The Committee invites the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures adopted “in order to create an environment conducive to the growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises” (see Paragraph 5 of the Job Creation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189)).

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in policy formulation and implementation. In its report the Government again describes the functions of the Higher National Council and regional and local councils for the promotion of employment. It also mentions that the social partners participate in the implementation of employment promotion measures through participation in the study committee preparing the ANAPEC development plans. The Committee invites the Government to provide further information on the consultations held with the social partners on the matters covered by the Convention as well as on the role of the Higher National Council and regional and local councils for the promotion of employment. It also requests the Government to supply information on the consultations held with the most vulnerable categories of the population, and particularly with representatives of workers in rural areas and in the informal economy, with a view to securing their cooperation in formulating and implementing employment policy programmes and measures.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention.  Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the indications provided by the Government in its report supplied in August 2008 in reply to the questions raised in the 2007 direct request. The Government indicates that stability of the macroeconomic framework is considered to be an essential prerequisite for the development of a healthy economy, and that it offers greater visibility to national and international investors by making the Moroccan economy more attractive. Accordingly, the Government reports that this will increase its potential for job creation. The Government also provides information on the positive developments achieved in 2006 by the Moroccan economy, including a decrease in unemployment from 11.5 per cent in 2005 to 9.7 per cent in 2006. The efforts made have had a positive impact on poverty reduction, with the poverty level falling by 6.3 percentage points between 2001 and 2007. The relative poverty rate accordingly fell from 15.3 per cent in 2001 to 9 per cent in 2007. The Committee notes that 1.7 million Moroccans emerged from poverty, and 1.2 million from vulnerability. In 2008, despite the crisis, economic growth reached 5.8 per cent. The Committee hopes that the Government will describe in its next report the monetary, budgetary and trade policies that are contributing “within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy” to the attainment of the objectives of full employment set out in the Convention. It emphasizes in this respect the importance of collaboration between the principal national institutions responsible for the implementation of employment policy, and hopes that the next report will also contain information on the arrangements for cooperation between the National Agency for the Promotion of Employment and Skills (ANPEC) and the other ministerial administrative departments participating in the formulation and implementation of measures which have an impact on employment.

The Government indicates that it has established for the period 2006–08 an “Employment–Initiatives”, plan of action with the goal of the integration of 200,000 jobseekers through three active programmes: IDMAJ (Integration), TAEHIL (Qualification) and MOUKAWALATI (My Enterprise). The Committee notes that, between January and the end of May 2008, the “Integration” programme, the aim of which is to enable young persons to develop skills through a first professional experience in enterprises, helped 19,233 young graduates. The “Qualification” programme, which is aimed at improving the employability of jobseekers, helped 23,000 persons. The “My Enterprise” programme is aimed at the creation of enterprises. An impact evaluation of the plan of action is due to be conducted in 2009 by the National Employment Observatory. The Committee invites the Government to provide an evaluation in its next report of the results achieved by the three active programmes of the “Employment–Initiatives” plan of action in terms of the integration of jobseekers. The Government is also invited to supplement its report with data on the evaluation of the implementation of the MOUKAWALATI programme in terms of the number of enterprises created, the economic sectors concerned and the proportion of women and young persons who have benefited, as well as its impact on employment and unemployment.

Women’s employment. The Government indicates in its report that the vocational training system is not characterized by any structural discrimination against girls. No regulations limit or prohibit the access of girls to any type of training, and all the options are now legally open to them. The Government further indicates that it takes measures to eliminate any discrimination against girls in the vocational training system. The Government also provided data on the proportion of women in the various levels of training. The Committee asks the Government to supply information on any active measures taken to increase the participation of women in the labour market, and the impact of any measures adopted in this respect, as well as the employment opportunities available to beneficiaries following training.

Employment promotion in small and medium-sized enterprises. The Government recalls the implementation of measures to encourage and finance the creation of small enterprises, including the Charter for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. In the replies to the questionnaire for the 2010 General Survey on employment, the Government indicates that the promotion of small enterprises is an area that requires particular attention from the public authorities, in view both of the role that these enterprises play in strengthening the national economic fabric and their capacity to adapt to the constraints of competition on the international market. In the framework of the “My Enterprise” programme, by the end of May 2008, over 1,000 small enterprises with 3,320 jobs had been created. The Committee invites the Government to provide more detailed information in its next report on the various forms of financing established for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, the number of beneficiary enterprises and the economic sectors concerned.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in policy formulation and implementation. The Government indicates in its report that it has established a Higher National Employment Promotion Council and regional and local councils. The Higher National Employment Promotion Council is an advisory body of which the social partners are members. At its first meeting in December 2007, the Council adopted a number of recommendations for the evaluation of employment promotion measures, the formulation of new measures and the strengthening of the role of the social partners. The Committee asks that the Government provide information on the activities of this tripartite body and on the manner in which it is consulted in the formulation and review of employment policies and programmes. Please also indicate the manner in which the views are taken into account of the “representatives of other sectors of the economically active population”, and particularly workers in the rural sector and the informal economy, with a view to obtaining their full cooperation in the formulation of employment policies and their help in securing support for such policies.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

1. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in 2006 in response to its previous direct request. It hopes that the Government’s report will provide an overall picture of the specific difficulties encountered in meeting the objectives of full, productive and freely chosen employment. As it has pointed out before, the Committee is interested in receiving information on the manner in which the main aspects of the economic policy in areas such as monetary, budgetary, trade or regional development policies, contribute “in the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy” to pursuing the employment objectives established by the Convention.

2. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Labour market trends. The Government indicates that the national economy grew by 5.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2006 as compared to 12 per cent in 2004 and 1.8 per cent in 2005. It also indicates that economic growth is still insufficient to reduce the unemployment rate, which rose from 10.8 per cent in 2004 to 11 per cent in 2005. In the first half of 2006, the unemployment rate dropped to 9.8 per cent, the lowest it has been in the last 35 years. In June 2006, an employment promotion action plan for 2006–08 was adopted which includes programmes aiming to integrate 105,000 first-time jobseekers by 2008, to improve workers’ employability by means of training programmes, and Government support for the creation of 30,000 small enterprises. The Government indicates that, for the first five months of 2006, 16,000 jobseekers found work thanks to the implementation of these programmes. The Committee hopes that in its next report the Government will provide information on the measures taken to ensure continued reduction in the employment rate, and on the results achieved by the action plan for 2006–07, and on any measures – programmes or activities – designed to promote productive employment. It also requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which these initiatives are regularly reviewed as part of a coordinated social and economic policy, in consultation with the social partners.

3. Employment market policy for young people. The Government states in its report that the graduate unemployment rate is still high in urban areas and stands at 20.6 per cent. The Committee notes the measures taken by the Government to remedy this situation, in particular the “Employment Initiative” workshops held in September 2005 with the social partners, which aim at elaborating policies for young people. The Government further indicates that the National Agency for the Promotion of Employment and Skills (ANAPEC) succeeded in placing more than 24,000 young workers and graduates in the labour market in 2005, a 20 per cent increase as compared to 2004. The Committee notes the Government’s measures for young people and hopes that the next report will contain information on their impact on the sustainable integration of young workers in the labour market.

4. Employment of women. The Government indicates that in 2004 the activity rate for women was 27.3 per cent as opposed to 52.6 per cent for men. However, there is now an upward trend in the activity rate of women and a contraction in the case of men. A women’s entrepreneurship project has been established to increase the employment rate of women. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures envisaged to increase women’s participation rate and to provide them with vocational training and productive employment.

5. Enterprise creation and technical cooperation with the ILO. The Government indicates in its report that support for enterprise creation has been set up as one of the pillars of social and economic development. It intends to simplify procedures for the exercise of commercial activities by making conditions for enterprise creation more flexible and facilitating access to funding for entrepreneurs. Financed by the Government of Italy and with ILO technical cooperation, an assistance programme for the creation of small enterprises was launched by the Government in 2005 with a view to creating 183 enterprises. The Committee notes with interest that the Government plans to extend the programme to other provinces. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide relevant information on the measures taken to encourage an entrepreneurial culture and spirit, and particularly on the support offered to small and medium-sized enterprises to promote full and productive employment. The Government may find it useful to refer to the provisions of the Job Creation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189).

6. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in formulating policies. The Government points out that consultation with the social partners covers the implementation as well as the formulation of measures. It refers to the active participation of the social partners in managing ANAPEC and in the study committee that prepares ANAPEC’s development plans. Consultation with the social partners was sanctioned by the “Employment Initiatives” workshops of September 2000 and the meeting organized in June 2006 for the presentation of the 2006–08 action plan – which gave rise to the following programmes: IDMAJ, for the integration of first-time jobseekers, TAEHIL, to improve employability and MOUKAZALATI, to support small enterprise creation. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the positive effects of participation by the social partners in formulating and implementing the various programmes. It also requests the Government to indicate the extent to which other sectors of the active population have been consulted, including representatives of persons working in the rural sector and the informal economy.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

1. The Committee notes the Government’s report for the period ending in May 2004. The Government indicates that the strong employment growth during the period, in both urban and rural areas, where it has been a result of favourable climatic conditions, has not been sufficient to absorb the increase in the active population, particularly in view of the rapid rise in the participation rate of women. In the first quarter of 2004, the unemployment rate reached 12.5 per cent, compared with 11.6 per cent in 2002, and 19.8 per cent in urban areas. The rise in unemployment has principally affected women, whose unemployment rate is 14.2 per cent, and 28.4 per cent in urban areas.

2. Labour market policy measures. The Committee notes the description of the various measures to promote the integration of jobseekers and to support self-employment. It requests the Government to provide all available data on the number of beneficiaries of these measures and on the results achieved. Also with reference to its comments on the application of Convention No. 111, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any specific measures adopted or envisaged to promote the vocational training and employment of women. Please also provide information on the employment impact of national promotional public works programmes.

3. Employment of young graduates. The Committee notes that there has been a significant rise in unemployment among young graduates, with the unemployment rate of higher education graduates reaching 60.3 per cent in 2001 for those aged between 15 and 24 years and 45.2 per cent for those between 25 and 34 years of age, which are well above the rates for all young persons in the same age categories, which were 18.9 per cent and 19.2 per cent, respectively. It notes that the Department of Vocational Training has established employment integration measures for them, assistance measures for young entrepreneurs and support for self-employment. It requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the results achieved by the measures intended to secure permanent employment for young graduates.

4. Overall and sectoral economic policies. The Committee recalls its interest in information on the manner in which the principal economic policy objectives, in such fields as fiscal and monetary policies, trade policy and regional development policies, contribute "within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy" to the achievement of the employment objectives set out in the Convention. It requests the Government to indicate the employment objectives of the new Economic and Social Development Plan.

5. Consultation of the representatives of the persons affected (Article 3 of the Convention). With reference to its previous requests, the Committee once again asks the Government to provide examples of the consultations held concerning employment policy within the meaning of the Convention, with an indication of the opinions expressed and the manner in which they were taken into account. The Committee notes in this respect that the Higher Council and the regional councils for employment promotion established by the Labour Code have to prepare an annual report setting out their views and proposals. It requests the Government to provide any relevant extract from such reports. Please also indicate whether measures have been taken or are envisaged to associate representatives of the persons affected in the rural sector and the informal economy with the consultations on employment policy.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

1. The Committee notes the Government’s report for the period ending May 2002 and the information that it contains in reply to its observation of 2001. The data provided by the Government show that in 2003 the active population aged 15 years and over increased by 1.5 per cent, reaching 10,379,000 persons. The activity rate fell slightly from 51.3 per cent to 50.7 per cent. With regard to employment, nearly 221,000 jobs were created during the course of 2002 in all sectors of economic activity, in both urban and rural areas. The unemployment rate, which remains high in towns, declined by 0.9 per cent at the national level, falling from 12.5 per cent in 2001 to 11.6 per cent in 2002. The categories of workers most affected by unemployment continue to be young persons and women. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report which is as detailed as possible on the situation and trends of the active population, employment, unemployment and underemployment.

2. The Government indicates that it has taken various measures to promote employment, with particular reference to:

-  the creation of the fund for the promotion of employment for young persons;

-  the apprenticeship training programme;

-  the fund to support certain promoters;

-  mediation at the level of the labour market;

-  the improvement of the environment for enterprises, the system of microcredit.

The Committee requests the Government to continue providing detailed information on the implementation of these various programmes, and to provide any evaluation available of their effectiveness. The Committee also notes the emphasis placed on the promotion of employment for young persons through measures focusing on facilitating access to credit and improving opportunities for integration into the labour market. It would be grateful if the Government would provide specific information on the various programmes implemented and their effect on employment promotion, both at the aggregate level and with regard to specific categories of workers, such as women, young persons, older workers and persons with disabilities. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on underemployment, as requested in the report form.

3. Article 3. The Government indicates that its economic policy in general, and in particular its employment policy, is decided on and kept under review in consultation with the representatives of employers and workers. It mentions among the forms of participation of the latter: the representation of elected office holders in professional chambers and of representatives of employees in Parliament; the representation of employers, employees and NGOs on the Higher Council of National Promotion and the Plan; and the representation on the National Agency for Employment Promotion and Skills. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information in its next report on the role played by the representatives of the social partners on these bodies, with an indication of the views expressed and the manner in which they were taken into account when formulating and implementing the employment policy, within the meaning of the Convention.

4. Part V of the report form. The Government refers in its report to collaboration with the ILO in the context of a pilot project to promote micro and small-scale enterprises in the provinces of Settat and El Jadida. It requests that the Government keep it informed of the action taken as a result of these projects and other practical activities by the ILO for the  technical implementation of an active employment policy, within the meaning of the Convention.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report and the Tripartite Agreement of 23 April 2000 concerning, inter alia, resolving the crisis of employment and unemployment.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. The Government states that the activity rate decreased from 55.7 per cent in 1999 to 54 per cent in 2000, and that those worst affected were women, young people, and unskilled workers. Rural areas were worst affected, due to drought and growth of urban employment. Growth in employment was mainly in self-employment and unpaid work. The unemployment rate for the population decreased slightly from 13.8 per cent to 13.5 per cent. The main beneficiaries were women, adults between 35-44 years of age, and skilled workers. In urban areas, salaried employment decreased by 3.3 per cent, while self-employment increased by 26.6 per cent. Most job growth was in precarious work in the informal sector. The rate of unemployment dropped from 21.9 per cent to 21.4 per cent, with women being the main beneficiaries. For skilled workers, the unemployment rate dropped from 28.2 per cent to 25.9 per cent. In rural areas, growth in employment was in temporary family units of production, resulting in a 17.5 per cent increase in unpaid work. The rate of employment of people over 15 years of age in rural areas increased from 56.6 per cent to 59.3 per cent. The unemployment rate dropped from 5.6 per cent to 5.1 per cent.

2. The Government has established a 5th Plan of Development for Employment Promotion 2000-04. The principal measures are training and placement of young workers so that they may acquire supplementary practical experience to help them secure a job, and encouraging initiatives by young people to create enterprises. To help promote growth of businesses, the Government provides tax holidays for investors; has established a fund to promote investment and the National Agency for Promotion of Investments; has adopted laws concerning promotion of investment; and aims to improve the regulatory climate to encourage entrepreneurs. In addition, the Government aims to decrease public spending and reduce public debt, to encourage development of the private sector. The Committee notes this information. It would appreciate continuing to receive information on the impact of these measures on employment promotion.

3. Article 3, in conjunction with Article 2. In reply to the observations of 1999, the Government states that its general economic policy is developed and reviewed in consultation with the social partners. Furthermore, workers are represented in the Chamber of Counsellors, which forms part of Parliament. Employers and workers are also represented in the Superior Council for national planning and promotion, and in the National Agency for Employment Promotion and Competencies. The Committee notes this information. It would appreciate receiving further information on the manner in which other groups affected, such as rural and informal sector workers, are taken into account in the development, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes. Please also supply further information on how employment policies and programmes are kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy.

4. The Committee also notes the conclusions of the Tripartite Agreement of 23 April 2000 on resolving the crisis of employment and unemployment. The Agreement draws attention to the Government’s efforts to create 17,435 jobs in the last six months of 2000. It also highlights the need to support and provide the necessary follow-up for programmes on self-employment and small and medium enterprises, and to reinforce training for integration and rehabilitation of workers. Lastly, it identifies the need to prepare for the participation of the social partners in taking complementary measures to revive employment. The Committee notes this Agreement with interest and would appreciate further information on any follow-up measures taken.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government's report. The Government states that the urban active population consists of 5,068,000 workers. The participation rate is 34.9 per cent overall, 52.9 per cent for males and 17.3 per cent for females. Over half of workers are under the age of 35. The net gain in employment during the reporting period was 190,000 posts, constituting a growth in employment of around 4.7 per cent, and due mainly to growth in services in the private sector. The unemployment rate was 18.1 per cent in 1996, and 16.9 per cent in 1997. Unemployment declined for both men and women, and for those aged 15 to 24 and 35 to 44. The pool of unemployed is composed mainly of first-time jobseekers, those attaining advanced degrees, and those under 25 years of age. The Government adds that there was a decline in agriculture, forestry and fisheries. Measures taken to promote balanced growth in employment include encouraging entrepreneurship and providing tax breaks to employers. The Government has prepared a plan for rural infrastructure development, including building roads, providing potable water, and building dams for irrigation of crops. A training programme and revolving loan fund for young entrepreneurs have been established. The Government adopted in 1997 a four-year programme of action on employment with the goal of encouraging employers to provide a total of 80,000 apprenticeships over four years, and it is trying to increase the practical component of its vocational training. The Committee notes this information and requests further details on the impact of these measures on attaining the objective of full, productive and freely chosen employment. Further to its previous comments, the Committee also notes that no information was provided in the Government's report on how its budgetary, monetary and trade policies, and its medium-term financial strategy and privatization policy take into account employment promotion. It would appreciate receiving detailed information on these points in the Government's next report.

Article 3, in conjunction with Article 2. The Committee notes that the Government's report does not contain any information on consultations with the social partners. It requests further information on how the Government ensures that its employment policy is decided on and kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy, in consultation with representatives of employers' and workers' organizations, as well as representatives of rural and informal sector workers.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1998, published 87th ILC session (1999)

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

1. The Committee took note of the Government's report which replies only partly to its previous observation. From the data published in the 1996 Statistical Yearbook, the Committee notes that the situation of employment and unemployment is still characterized by profound discrepancies between the urban and rural populations and the different age groups. The average rate of unemployment was 16 per cent in 1995, but reached 22.9 per cent in urban areas as against 8.5 per cent in the countryside. Unemployment particularly affects young people under 25 years old in the urban environment for whom there was an unemployment rate of 37.3 per cent in 1995. The Committee observes, moreover, that with over a third of the active population employed in agriculture, very wide annual variations in the growth rate of the economy and of employment depend largely on climatic conditions. 2. The Government states that its employment strategy relies chiefly on promotion of investment. It refers particularly to the fiscal incentives provided under Basic Act No. 18-95, as well as to the measures laid down in the 1997-98 budget. In addition, it considers that the liberalization measures in external trade, particularly within the partnership agreement with the European Union, should have a positive impact on employment. Referring to its previous requests on this subject, the Committee hopes to find in the next report more precise information on how the main lines of economic policy, particularly budgetary, monetary and trade policies, contribute effectively "as a major goal" to the promotion of full, productive and freely chosen employment. In this respect, the Committee regrets that the Government has not supplied the information requested regarding the employment objectives of the Social and Economic Organization Plan 1993-97. It requests the Government to describe the achievements of this Plan in the field of employment and to indicate the objectives of the new Plan which is being prepared. The Committee would also be grateful if the Government would supply details on the implementation of the medium-term financial strategy adopted in 1995 in consultation with the World Bank, as well as on privatization measures. 3. The Committee notes the indications on efforts made to develop vocational training. It requests the Government to specify the measures taken to ensure better adaptation of education and training policies with employment prospects in a context characterized simultaneously by the persistence of a high unemployment rate for well-qualified people and of a relatively low level of school attendance. The Government may find it useful in this context to refer to the Convention (No. 142) and Recommendation (No. 150) on human resources development, 1975. The Committee also notes the information relating to the number of beneficiaries of incentives for hiring graduates and providing assistance in setting up enterprises. It requests the Government to supply any available assessment regarding the effectiveness of these measures. Noting the progress made in extending the employment services network, the Committee requests the Government to supply statistical data on the nature and volume of its activities. 4. Article 3 of the Convention. The Committee notes with interest the 1995 Annual Report of the National Council for Youth and the Future supplied by the Government. With reference to its previous observations, it would be grateful if the Government would also supply the information already requested on the establishment and respective competence of the Economic and Social Council and the Advisory Council to Pursue Social Dialogue. 5. Part V of the report form. The Committee again requests the Government to indicate the action that has been taken or is envisaged as a result of the ILO assistance or advice received in the area of employment and training, or to indicate the factors which have prevented or delayed such action.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1997, published 86th ILC session (1998)

1. The Committee took note of the Government's report which replies only partly to its previous observation. From the data published in the 1996 Statistical Yearbook, the Committee notes that the situation of employment and unemployment is still characterized by profound discrepancies between the urban and rural populations and the different age groups. The average rate of unemployment was 16 per cent in 1995, but reached 22.9 per cent in urban areas as against 8.5 per cent in the countryside. Unemployment particularly affects young people under 25 years old in the urban environment for whom there was an unemployment rate of 37.3 per cent in 1995. The Committee observes, moreover, that with over a third of the active population employed in agriculture, very wide annual variations in the growth rate of the economy and of employment depend largely on climatic conditions.

2. The Government states that its employment strategy relies chiefly on promotion of investment. It refers particularly to the fiscal incentives provided under Basic Act No. 18-95, as well as to the measures laid down in the 1997-98 budget. In addition, it considers that the liberalization measures in external trade, particularly within the partnership agreement with the European Union, should have a positive impact on employment. Referring to its previous requests on this subject, the Committee hopes to find in the next report more precise information on how the main lines of economic policy, particularly budgetary, monetary and trade policies, contribute effectively "as a major goal" to the promotion of full, productive and freely chosen employment. In this respect, the Committee regrets that the Government has not supplied the information requested regarding the employment objectives of the Social and Economic Organization Plan 1993-97. It requests the Government to describe the achievements of this Plan in the field of employment and to indicate the objectives of the new Plan which is being prepared. The Committee would also be grateful if the Government would supply details on the implementation of the medium-term financial strategy adopted in 1995 in consultation with the World Bank, as well as on privatization measures.

3. The Committee notes the indications on efforts made to develop vocational training. It requests the Government to specify the measures taken to ensure better adaptation of education and training policies with employment prospects in a context characterized simultaneously by the persistence of a high unemployment rate for well-qualified people and of a relatively low level of school attendance. The Government may find it useful in this context to refer to the Convention (No. 142) and Recommendation (No. 150) on human resources development, 1975. The Committee also notes the information relating to the number of beneficiaries of incentives for hiring graduates and providing assistance in setting up enterprises. It requests the Government to supply any available assessment regarding the effectiveness of these measures. Noting the progress made in extending the employment services network, the Committee requests the Government to supply statistical data on the nature and volume of its activities.

4. Article 3 of the Convention. The Committee notes with interest the 1995 Annual Report of the National Council for Youth and the Future supplied by the Government. With reference to its previous observations, it would be grateful if the Government would also supply the information already requested on the establishment and respective competence of the Economic and Social Council and the Advisory Council to Pursue Social Dialogue.

5. Part V of the report form. The Committee again requests the Government to indicate the action that has been taken or is envisaged as a result of the ILO assistance or advice received in the area of employment and training, or to indicate the factors which have prevented or delayed such action.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1996, published 85th ILC session (1997)

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its report for the period ending June 1994. The Committee notes that, according to the data contained in the National Statistical Yearbook for 1994, the unemployment rate for the active urban population was estimated at 16 per cent in 1992 and 15.9 per cent in 1993 (and around 30 per cent for the age group 15-24). It notes a correlation between the decrease in the unemployment rate for women (21.7 per cent in 1993 compared with 25.3 per cent in 1992) and the decline in their activity rate, which up to then had been increasing regularly. According to the Government, the imbalance between the supply and demand for labour resulting from the growth of the population (although at a rate that is falling substantially) was aggravated over the reference period by climatic conditions which accentuated the rural exodus and increased the pressure on the urban labour market, as well as by other factors related to the economic situation, such as the decline in the market price of phosphates and the increase in interest rates. 2. The Government states that the major aims of its economic policies are to contribute to economic growth and the promotion of employment through public investment, the promotion of private investment, the development of the rural sector and support for the export sector. It emphasizes that the implementation of the structural adjustment programme has made it possible to improve the financial situation of the country and states that the creation of 15,000 new jobs in the public sector as envisaged by the Finance Act of 1994 is part of the recovery process. With reference to its previous observation, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply more detailed information in its next report, in reply to the questions contained in the report form, on the manner in which the measures taken in the various fields of economic policy contribute to the promotion of employment. In particular, it requests the Government to specify the employment objectives of the Social and Economic Organization Plan 1993-97. 3. The Committee notes the establishment of a fund for the promotion of employment of young persons financed through income from privatisation, as well as the adoption of new measures to promote the training of young persons in enterprises. It also notes with interest the information on the results achieved by the programme of loans to young entrepreneurs and would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide detailed information on the various measures adopted for the insertion of young persons into employment and on evaluations of their effectiveness. The Committee also requests the Government to continue providing information on the progressive establishment of the network of employment services. 4. The Government states once again in its report that the consultations required under Article 3 of the Convention are held in the framework of the National Council for Youth and the Future (CNJA). With reference to its previous observation, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply information on the activities of the CNJA, the recommendations made and the effect given to them, together with extracts of records of meetings or relevant reports. It also notes that the Government refers to the establishment of an Economic and Social Council under the terms of the Dahir of 9 October 1992 to enact the revised Constitution, as well as the establishment under the Dahir of 24 November 1994 of an advisory council to pursue social dialogue. However, the Committee notes that the Organic Act which, under the terms of article 93 of the revised Constitution, is to determine the composition, organization, duties and methods of work of the Economic and Social Council has not yet been adopted. The Committee would also be grateful if the Government would indicate whether the competence of the advisory council to pursue social dialogue covers consultations on employment policy in the sense set out in the Convention. The Committee hopes that the Government will provide further information in this respect in its next report. 5. Part V of the report form. The Committee has been informed of an ILO mission in 1994 for the preparation of a second national symposium on employment. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate the action that has been taken or is envisaged as a consequence of this symposium, and any factors which may have prevented or delayed this action.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 83rd ILC session (1996)

1. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its report for the period ending June 1994. The Committee notes that, according to the data contained in the National Statistical Yearbook for 1994, the unemployment rate for the active urban population was estimated at 16 per cent in 1992 and 15.9 per cent in 1993 (and around 30 per cent for the age group 15-24). It notes a correlation between the decrease in the unemployment rate for women (21.7 per cent in 1993 compared with 25.3 per cent in 1992) and the decline in their activity rate, which up to then had been increasing regularly. According to the Government, the imbalance between the supply and demand for labour resulting from the growth of the population (although at a rate that is falling substantially) was aggravated over the reference period by climatic conditions which accentuated the rural exodus and increased the pressure on the urban labour market, as well as by other factors related to the economic situation, such as the decline in the market price of phosphates and the increase in interest rates.

2. The Government states that the major aims of its economic policies are to contribute to economic growth and the promotion of employment through public investment, the promotion of private investment, the development of the rural sector and support for the export sector. It emphasizes that the implementation of the structural adjustment programme has made it possible to improve the financial situation of the country and states that the creation of 15,000 new jobs in the public sector as envisaged by the Finance Act of 1994 is part of the recovery process. With reference to its previous observation, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply more detailed information in its next report, in reply to the questions contained in the report form, on the manner in which the measures taken in the various fields of economic policy contribute to the promotion of employment. In particular, it requests the Government to specify the employment objectives of the Social and Economic Organization Plan 1993-97.

3. The Committee notes the establishment of a fund for the promotion of employment of young persons financed through income from privatisation, as well as the adoption of new measures to promote the training of young persons in enterprises. It also notes with interest the information on the results achieved by the programme of loans to young entrepreneurs and would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide detailed information on the various measures adopted for the insertion of young persons into employment and on evaluations of their effectiveness. The Committee also requests the Government to continue providing information on the progressive establishment of the network of employment services.

4. The Government states once again in its report that the consultations required under Article 3 of the Convention are held in the framework of the National Council for Youth and the Future (CNJA). With reference to its previous observation, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply information on the activities of the CNJA, the recommendations made and the effect given to them, together with extracts of records of meetings or relevant reports. It also notes that the Government refers to the establishment of an Economic and Social Council under the terms of the Dahir of 9 October 1992 to enact the revised Constitution, as well as the establishment under the Dahir of 24 November 1994 of an advisory council to pursue social dialogue. However, the Committee notes that the Organic Act which, under the terms of article 93 of the revised Constitution, is to determine the composition, organization, duties and methods of work of the Economic and Social Council has not yet been adopted. The Committee would also be grateful if the Government would indicate whether the competence of the advisory council to pursue social dialogue covers consultations on employment policy in the sense set out in the Convention. The Committee hopes that the Government will provide further information in this respect in its next report.

5. Part V of the report form. The Committee has been informed of an ILO mission in 1994 for the preparation of a second national symposium on employment. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate the action that has been taken or is envisaged as a consequence of this symposium, and any factors which may have prevented or delayed this action.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

1. The Committee took note of the Government's reports for the periods ending June 1991 and June 1992, which contain information in reply to its previous comments. The data on the labour market supplied by the Government shows that the number of new jobs created each year is still insufficient to make up for the rapid growth in the active population. Despite a sustained expansion of economic activity, new arrivals on the labour market, whose educational level is tending to be higher and a growing proportion of whom are women, are encountering substantial difficulties in finding a job. Over half of the unemployed are less than 25 years of age and the unemployment rate, which reached a national average rate of 12.1 per cent in 1991, varied between 5.6 per cent in rural areas and 20.6 per cent in urban areas. According to the Government, statistical surveys show both an overall imbalance between supply and demand and the inadequacy of training in relation to the skills sought on the labour market. The Committee requests the Government to continue to supply as detailed and recent statistical data as possible on the labour market.

2. The Government states that in order to combat unemployment it is implementing a series of labour market policy measures including direct job creation measures and incentives for the creation of jobs, as well as measures to strengthen and adapt the vocational training system. It makes specific reference, within the context of national promotion work, to substantial construction and public work projects which are labour intensive and have a favourable impact on employment and the training of those concerned. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would describe how they contribute to raising the skill levels and achieving the lasting integration of the workers concerned into employment. The Government also states that measures to encourage investment for job creation have made it possible to create a growing number of jobs in the private industrial sector, particularly for young graduates. It emphasizes that the scheme to support young promoters, the objective of which is to facilitate the access to credit of young entrepreneurs, has been strengthened. The Committee requests the Government to supply detailed information on the results achieved by the various incentives for the creation of jobs.

3. The Committee notes with interest the measures which have been taken and are envisaged to combat unemployment more effectively among the young. It notes in particular the establishment of the National Council for Youth and the Future (CNJA), which has the mission of ensuring the integration of young graduates into working life. It also notes the efforts deployed to establish new public training institutions and to develop further training or training and employment schemes. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply information in its next report on the implementation of the national plan for the training and integration of young graduates. It also requests the Government to state whether its plan to establish a National Employment Agency has come to fruition.

4. With reference to its previous observation, the Committee notes that the Government considers that the measures that it has described are sufficient to refute the allegations made by the Democratic Confederation of Labour and the General Union of Moroccan Workers that it was not pursuing an effective employment policy. The Committee recalls that these two organizations considered that the Government, by abandoning its planning policy and replacing it by plans to balance its finances in accordance with the advice and directives of the IMF, was not attaching sufficient importance to the objectives of employment. The Committee notes, however, that the Government's report does not include the information requested on the procedures adopted to ensure that the impact on employment of the measures which have been taken to promote economic development and other economic and social objectives are taken into consideration, particularly within the context of the implementation of the structural adjustment plan. The Committee is bound to emphasize in this respect that Article 1, paragraph 3, of the Convention provides that the employment policy shall take due account of the "mutual relationships between employment objectives and other economic and social objectives", and that Article 2 provides that the measures adopted to achieve the employment objectives shall lie "within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy". It trusts that the Government will supply full information in its next report, in response to the questions in the report form, on the effect given to these provisions of the Convention.

5. In response to the allegations made by the above organizations of the non-observance of Article 3, the Government states that the organizations of employers and workers are consulted within the framework of the sessions of the CNJA and the national and regional vocational training committees. The Committee requests the Government to report the opinions gathered during these consultations and describe the manner in which account has been taken of them, by attaching any relevant extracts of records or reports. It also recalls that in addition to the representatives of organizations of employers and workers, consultations with the representatives of the persons affected by employment policy measures should also include representatives of other sectors of the active population, such as those working in the rural sector and the informal sector. The Committee notes the abolition of the Higher National Development and Planning Council and the recent establishment of the Economic and Social Council by the Dahir of 9 October 1992. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate the composition and competence of this latter institution and describe the manner in which it can fulfil the functions of consultation on matters relating to the employment policy which were within the mandate of the above Higher Council.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

With reference to its observation the Committee notes that the Government's report contains no reply to its comments. It hopes that the next report will include full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the brief information contained in the Government's report. It hopes that the Government's next report will be sufficiently full to enable the Committee to make a better assessment of the application of the Convention in the country and that it will contain information on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, both in the aggregate and as they affect particular categories of workers such as women, young persons, older workers and disabled workers. It also requests the Government to refer in its next report to the following points, certain of which have already been raised in previous direct requests.

1. In the first place, the Committee would once again be grateful if the Government would indicate the extent to which the objectives set out in the 1988-92 Plan, or in development programmes, have been or are being achieved, and state whether special difficulties have been encountered in attaining the objectives and how far they have been overcome (Article 1 of the Convention). Please describe the procedures adopted to ensure that the effects on employment of measures taken to promote economic development and other economic and social objectives receive due consideration (Article 2).

2. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government concerning measures to encourage investment in employment-generating sectors, particularly for small and medium enterprises, which should contribute to the creation of new jobs and account for 65 per cent of total employment, or in favour of young investors (by the provision of preferential loans). It would be grateful if the Government would continue supplying information in this respect and, more generally, on the creation of productive employment as a result of the legislative measures that have been taken to encourage investment in handicrafts, industry, tourism, the maritime sector, construction and mining, as referred to in the previous direct request. Please also supply information on the impact on employment of the measures taken in the context of tax, monetary, trade, wages and rural development policies.

3. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government concerning labour-intensive projects undertaken by the "National Promotion", which are intended to assist in the creation of the equivalent, in working days, of 70,000 jobs annually. It requests the Government to supply further information in its next report on how far the jobs that are created correspond to the criteria set out in Article 1, paragraph 2.

4. Although it notes that the Government is planning to take measures to establish a special scheme to adapt vocational training to the needs of private enterprises, the Committee notes that the Government's report does not contain the detailed information that was requested previously on the formulation and implementation of measures to coordinate the vocational training policy with employment prospects. It would be grateful if the Government would supply the information that is available on the achievement of objectives in this context, including extracts of reports, studies and inquiries, statistical data.

5. The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report does not contain a reply to its previous requests concerning the consultation of representatives of persons affected by the measures taken under the employment policy. It hopes that the Government's next report will contain this information, particularly as regards the representatives of employers' and workers' organisations (especially through the Higher Planning Council), and representatives of other sectors of the active population, such as persons working in the rural sector and the informal sector (Article 3).

6. The Committee recalls its interest in any report, study, inquiry, statistical data, which enables it to gain a better appreciation of the effect given in practice to the Convention. It would be grateful if the Government would supply a copy or relevant extracts of the Indicative Plan for Economic and Social Development, 1988-1992 (Part VI of the report form).

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

With reference to its general observation of 1991, the Committee notes the communication received jointly from the Democratic Confederation of Labour and the General Union of Moroccan Workers, dated March 1991, a copy of which was transmitted to the Government in a letter dated 5 April 1991. The Committee notes that the report that was due from the Government has not been received.

The Democratic Confederation of Labour and the General Union of Moroccan Workers allege that the Government is not pursuing an effective employment policy, omits to consult occupational organisations and thereby fails to give effect to the provisions of the Convention. These organisations consider that the Government, by abandoning its planning policy and replacing it by plans to balance its finances in accordance with the advice and directives of the IMF, is ignoring the relationship between employment objectives and other economic and social objectives. They state that the Government does not follow any dialogue and consultation procedures with occupational organisations and that it has paralysed the Supreme Labour Council since its creation by the Decree of 14 August 1967. They urge that a national tripartite body be established to declare and pursue a national policy of full employment.

The Committee notes that certain of these allegations are related to the points that it has raised in its previous comments. It trusts that the Government will supply full particulars in its report in reply to these allegations and to the request that is being addressed directly to it in order to enable the Committee to examine at its next session the manner in which effect is given to the fundamental provisions of the Convention, of which Article 1 requires the declaration and pursual "as a major goal", of "an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment", taking due account of the "mutual relationships between employment objectives and other economic and social objectives", and Article 3 provides that "representatives of the persons effected by the measures to be taken, and in particular representatives of employers and workers, shall be consulted concerning employment policies, with a view to taking fully into account their experience and views and securing their full cooperation in formulating and enlisting support for such policies".

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1991, published 78th ILC session (1991)

The Committee notes the brief information contained in the Government's report. It hopes that the Government's next report will be sufficiently full to enable the Committee to make a better assessment of the application of the Convention in the country and that it will contain information on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, both in the aggregate and as they affect particular categories of workers such as women, young persons, older workers and disabled workers. It also requests the Government to refer in its next report to the following points, certain of which have already been raised in previous direct requests.

1. In the first place, the Committee would once again be grateful if the Government would indicate the extent to which the objectives set out in the 1988-92 Plan, or in development programmes, have been or are being achieved, and state whether special difficulties have been encountered in attaining the objectives and how far they have been overcome (Article 1 of the Convention). Please describe the procedures adopted to ensure that the effects on employment of measures taken to promote economic development and other economic and social objectives receive due consideration (Article 2).

2. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government concerning measures to encourage investment in employment-generating sectors, particularly for small and medium enterprises, which should contribute to the creation of new jobs and account for 65 per cent of total employment, or in favour of young investors (by the provision of preferential loans). It would be grateful if the Government would continue supplying information in this respect and, more generally, on the creation of productive employment as a result of the legislative measures that have been taken to encourage investment in handicrafts, industry, tourism, the maritime sector, construction and mining, as referred to in the previous direct request. Please also supply information on the impact on employment of the measures taken in the context of tax, monetary, trade, wages and rural development policies.

3. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government concerning labour-intensive projects undertaken by the "National Promotion", which are intended to assist in the creation of the equivalent, in working days, of 70,000 jobs annually. It requests the Government to supply further information in its next report on how far the jobs that are created correspond to the criteria set out in Article 1, paragraph 2 (productive employment, freely chosen employment, etc.).

4. Although it notes that the Government is planning to take measures to establish a special scheme to adapt vocational training to the needs of private enterprises, the Committee notes that the Government's report does not contain the detailed information that was requested previously on the formulation and implementation of measures to co-ordinate the vocational training policy with employment prospects. It would be grateful if the Government would supply the information that is available on the achievement of objectives in this context, including extracts of reports, studies and inquiries, statistical data, etc.

5. The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report does not contain a reply to its previous requests concerning the consultation of representatives of persons affected by the measures taken under the employment policy. It hopes that the Government's next report will contain this information, particularly as regards the representatives of employers' and workers' organisations (especially through the Higher Planning Council), and representatives of other sectors of the active population, such as persons working in the rural sector and the informal sector (Article 3).

6. The Committee recalls its interest in any report, study, inquiry, statistical data, etc., which enables it to gain a better appreciation of the effect given in practice to the Convention. It would be grateful if the Government would supply a copy or relevant extracts of the Indicative Plan for Economic and Social Development, 1988-1992 (Part VI of the report form).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1989, published 76th ILC session (1989)

1. The Committee notes the information of a general nature contained in the Government's report. The Committee recalls the importance that it attaches to the provision of reports containing detailed information on the various components of employment policy and including the statistical data required on the situation and trends of the labour force and employment (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention). It requests the Government to refer, particularly in its next report, to the following points, a number of which were raised in its previous direct request.

2. The Committee notes the information concerning the Indicative Plan for Economic and Social Development, 1988-92, and the main objectives of economic and financial policy. It notes, in particular, that the two main concerns of medium-term economic policy are structural adjustment and the mobilisation of resources. The report indicates that other measures are planned in this context, particularly to rationalise the assignment of human resources and achieve a more just and efficient social policy. Please indicate more precisely how the "employment" variable has been incorporated in this Plan and the extent to which employment objectives have been or are being achieved (Article 1). Please describe the procedures adopted to ensure that the effects on employment have been taken into consideration when implementing measures to promote economic development and other economic and social objectives (Article 2).

3. The Committee notes the legislative measures taken to encourage investment in handicrafts, industry, tourism, the maritime sector, construction and mining, as set out in the Government's report. It hopes that the Government's next report will give detailed information on the creation of productive employment resulting from the implementation of these measures in the sectors concerned. With regard to the promotion of employment in the agricultural and rural sectors, which was raised in its previous direct request, the Committee notes the general objectives set out in the 1988-92 Plan for the development of specific sectors, namely: agriculture, handicrafts, light industry and rural infrastructure. Please supply information on the progress achieved in the field of rural development with regard to agricultural and non-agricultural activities and specify its impact on employment.

4. Please supply information on the application of the following measures and their impact on the creation of productive employment: (a) job-creation incentives for small and medium-sized enterprises (section 27 of Decree No. 1-82-220 of 1983); (b) tax incentives for employment (section 9 bis of the Dahir of 31 December 1985 to enact the Finance Act for 1986); (c) the measures adopted within the context of the long-term plan for the development of fishing and the Maritime Investment Code.

5. Please also supply information on the activities of special employment promotion programmes such as "National Promotion" and indicate the extent to which the jobs created respond to the criteria set out in Article 1, paragraph 2, of the Convention.

6. The Committee notes the general objectives set out in the 1988-92 Plan with regard to vocational training and its adaptation to employment. Please supply detailed information, including extracts of reports, studies and inquiries, statistical data, etc., covering the achievement of objectives in this field, and emphasising the formulation and implementation of measures to co-ordinate the vocational training policy with employment prospects.

7. The Committee once again requests the Government to supply detailed information on the way in which the representatives of persons affected by the measures to be taken under the employment policy are consulted, including representatives of employers' and workers' organisations (particularly through the Higher Planning Council) and representatives of other sectors of the active population, such as persons working in the rural sector and the informal sector (Article 3).

8. The Committee notes the information supplied concerning ILO technical co-operation in the field of employment. It requests the Government to indicate the action taken as a result (Part V of the report form).

9. Please supply, as available, a copy or extracts of the Indicative Plan for Economic and Social Development, 1988-92 (Part VI of the report form).