Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Lithuania (Ratification: 2004)

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

COVID-19 pandemic. Socioeconomic impact. Response and recovery measures. The Committee notes the measures taken by the Government to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, including the launch of a 2.5 billion euro economic stimulus plan. The Committee notes that according to Recommendations made by the European Commission on the 2020 National Reform Programme of Lithuania (document COM (2020) 515 final, paragraph 18) that, prior to the pandemic, labour market participation was high and unemployment rate was low; however, the COVID-19 crisis has posed new challenges. According to the report, with the help of EU funding, Lithuania has implemented a short-time work scheme to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on employment and introduced a number of other measures to mitigate the negative effects on businesses and the self-employed (document COM (2020) 515 final, paragraph 18). In addition, active labour marked policy measures and other measures to reskill and upskill the national workforce will be needed to help the unemployed to return to the labour market as early as possible and to provide effective sustainable support beyond the recovery phase. In this context, the Committee notes the amendments introduced to the Law on Employment of the Republic of Lithuania No. XII- 2470 (hereinafter the Law on Employment) in March and April 2020, which provide benefits for self-employed persons, wage subsidies for those employers preserving jobs during the state of emergency and training grants for persons whose apprenticeship or internship contracts were suspended. In addition, vocational training is being provided to workers laid off due to the state of emergency. The Committee further notes from the 2020 European Commission report that, whilst steps were taken before the crisis to address the risk of poverty and social exclusion, for example by increasing universal child benefits and pensions, poverty and income inequality rates in Lithuania are still among the highest in the EU. In this context, the Committee recalls the comprehensive guidance provided by international labour standards. In this regard, the Committee wishes to draw the Government’s attention to the Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience Recommendation, 2017 (No. 205), which provides guidelines for developing and implementing effective, consensus-based and inclusive responses to the profound socio-economic impacts of the pandemic. The Committee invites the Government to provide updated information in its next report on the impact of response and recovery measures taken with a view to implementing the objectives of the Convention. In this regard, the Committee invites the Government to provide information on how the measures adopted have helped to minimize the adverse effect of the pandemic on the Government’s policies for employment, unemployment, underemployment.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Employment trends and active labour market measures. In reply to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government reiterates its reference to measures introduced by the Law on Employment to avoid potential abuses from the services provided by the Lithuanian Labour Exchange (LLE), such as supplementing the definition of unemployed persons as well as discontinuing job rotation and measures of support for self-employment. The Government further indicates that, following the introduction of new amendments to the Law on Employment in February 2018, vocational training under the “Programme on Increasing Employment” has been extended to employees who seek to change profession and employer. This extension is tailored to individuals in order to create new career opportunities. The Government adds that this measure does not apply to employees who remain employed by the same employer. Moreover, the Government refers to the implementation of active labour market policy measures, particularly the promotion of employment under apprenticeship and internship contracts, and the recognition of competences acquired through non-formal and informal learning to promote lifelong learning. The Committee notes, however, that, according to the 2019 European Commission report “Recommendation for a Council Recommendation on 2019 National Reform Programme of Lithuania”, in 2018, the participation in adult learning was at 6.6 per cent, well below the EU average of 11.1 per cent. The report highlights that there are persistent skills’ shortages and mismatches. In this regard, it points out, among other challenges, the need to modernize vocational education and training and to improve its responsiveness to the needs of local and regional labour markets, and to ensure an effective and easily accessible adult learning, re-skilling and upskilling measures, together with the provision of social services (document COM (2019) 515 final, paragraph 11). Furthermore, the Government refers to the implementation of measures, in the framework of the Action Plan for Promoting Non-discrimination for 2017–2019, with the support of the European Social Fund (ESF) to promote non-discrimination and equality in employment, such as the project “Change in Business, Public Sector, and the Society – New Standards to Combat Discrimination” until April 2020, and the project “National minorities’ inclusion in the labour market” until January 2021. Trainings and educational events for employers and their representatives on equal opportunities and non-discrimination are also being implemented. On 27 July 2018, it was adopted the new 2018– 2021 Action Plan Implementing the National Programme on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men for 2015–21. The Committee further notes the detailed information provided by the Government concerning the different information and counselling services provided by the employment services and its impact on creating employment. With regard to employment trends, the Committee notes that, according to the Official Statistics Portal, in 2019, before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the employment rate among those aged 15 to 64 was 73 per cent (73.5 per cent for men and 72.5 per cent for women), and the overall unemployment rate was 6.3 per cent (7 per cent for men and 5.5 per cent for women). In 2020, the unemployment rate increased to 8.5 per cent (9.3 per cent among men and 7.7 per cent among women). The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed updated information on the impact of the active labour market policy measures taken with a view to reducing unemployment, particularly among the target groups identified in the Law on Employment No. XII-2470, those measures taken to address persistent skills shortages and mismatches. The Committee further requests the Government to continue to provide detailed updated information on the nature and impact of the measures taken under the National Programme on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men 2015–21. It also requests the Government to continue to provide updated statistical information, disaggregated by age, sex and region, on the current situation and trends regarding the active population, employment, unemployment and underemployment throughout the country.

Regional development. In reply to its previous comments, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning the measures implemented to increase employment in regions with high unemployment rates. The Government refers to the implementation of a pilot project of employment promotion and motivation services for unemployed persons and social support recipients in six different municipalities. It adds that the aim of the project is to facilitate the transition of long-term unemployed persons into employment and to harmonize the employment promotion and motivation services with the social assistance services. The Committee notes, however, that according to the 2019 report of the European Commission (COM (2019) 515 final, paragraph 17), regional disparities in Lithuania are wider than the EU average and have been increasing over the past two decades. The European Commission indicates in its report that the benefits of Lithuania's speedy economic convergence are heavily concentrated in the two metropolitan areas. There are significant socio-economic disparities within the country. The Committee notes that, according to the Official Statistics Portal, in 2020 the unemployment rate was particularly high in Tauragė (11.9 per cent), Utena (15 per cent), Alytus (11.6 per cent), Marijampolė (10.8 per cent), Panevėžys (10.3 per cent); in comparison with the unemployment rate in Vilnius (6.8 per cent), Klaipėda (6.6 per cent), and Telšiai (7.6 per cent). The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed updated information on the results of the measures implemented to increase employment rates in underserved regions.

Youth employment. In response to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government refers to the continuation of the implementation of the Youth Guarantee (hereafter – YG) with the objective of enhancing youth integration in the labour market. As part of the YG early intervention activities, the Government refers to the participation of 37, 447 young unemployed persons not in education, employment or training (NEETs) and 7 422 inactive NEETs in the project "Discover Yourself" (implemented until September 2018). The Government adds that those participants of the project “Discover Yourself” who did not receive unsubsidized job offers, were offered participation in the secondary intervention project “The New Start” (implemented until November 2019). The Government reports that from December 2015 to December 2018, 154,000 participants successfully completed the participation in the activities of the project, and that 66 per cent were employed after the participation in project activities. The Committee notes that, according to the 2020 report of the European Commission on the YG, the Lithuanian YG scheme covered 51.6 per cent of NEETs aged under 25 in 2018, a substantial increase from 2017 (+15.3 pp), bringing the coverage rate well above the EU average of 38.9 per cent. The report also points out that over half (55.9 per cent) of those leaving the YG scheme in 2018 were known to be in a positive situation 6 months later. However, longer term follow-up data provide a mixed picture but tend to suggest that not all outcomes are sustained over longer periods. The Government indicates that the YG provides comprehensive, consistent support to young people in a more complex situation, which includes not only basic social and job skills, vocational training, but also integration and retention in the labour market. Lastly, the Government indicates that there are currently 38 Youth Job Centres (YJC) in Lithuania, which have strong partnerships with, among other actors, employers, entrepreneurship organisations, local municipalities, and universities. The Committee notes the statistical information provided by the Government with respect to the number of beneficiaries of the different services provided by the YJC between 2016 and 2018. The Committee further notes that, according to the Official Statistics Portal for Lithuania, in 2019 the employment rate among those aged 15 to 24 was 32.9 per cent, while the unemployment rate was 11.9 per cent. Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the unemployment rate increased to 18.9 per cent in June 2020 (16.7 per cent among young women and 20.5 per cent among young men). The Committee requests the Government to continue providing updated detailed information on the measures adopted to reinforce programmes to facilitate the labour market integration of young persons and the impact of these programmes, as well as specific measures taken to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on young persons’ access to sustainable employment. It also requests the Government to continue providing statistical information on trends in youth employment, disaggregated by sex and age.

Long-term unemployed, refugees, less qualified and older workers. In reply to the Committee’s previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, in January 2019, long-term unemployed persons made up 25 per cent of all unemployed persons. It further notes the statistical information provided by the Government concerning the impact of the projects “Improving the Competencies of Unqualified Persons” and “Support for the Employment of the Long-Term Unemployed”. The Committee also notes the launching of the project “TAPK - Creating Your Future Prospects” in December 2017, which includes activities to promote the integration into the labour market of the less qualified and the long-term unemployed, such as vocational training, subsidized employment, apprenticeships and internships. With respect to the measures adopted to promote employment among older workers, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the impact of the projects “Support for the Older Unemployed” and “Take the Opportunity” (launched in December 2017). The Government reports that in 2018, the unemployment rate of persons aged over 50 was 25 per cent. Moreover, the Committee notes that, according to the Description of the conditions and procedure for the implementation of the Employment Support Measures No. A1-348 approved on 30 June 2017, persons holding refugee status or having been granted subsidiary or temporary protection, are eligible to receive vocational training, support for the acquisition of work skills and for mobility and to benefit from subsided employment (apprenticeships). The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed updated information on the nature and impact of the measures adopted to enhance job opportunities for the long-term unemployed, refugees, less qualified and older workers.

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

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Employment trends and active labour market measures. The Committee notes the Government’s comprehensive report containing detailed information on legislative and practical developments as well as statistical data on employment trends. In particular, the Committee notes the adoption of the Law on Employment No. XII-2470 (hereinafter the 2017 Law), which superseded the Law on Employment Support No. X-694 as of 1 January 2017. The 2017 Law seeks to avoid potential abuse of the labour exchange services by supplementing the definition of unemployed persons to include all persons 18 and over who are studying and seeking to attain a basic or secondary education. In order to benefit from labour exchange services, such persons must also be actively searching for employment. The 2017 Law also limits the target groups eligible to receive additional support in the labour market to persons with disabilities of working age with certain degrees of disability, persons considered as unqualified, unemployed and long-term unemployed. The Committee further notes that, despite the success of the Programme on Increasing Employment, the 2017 Law provides that vocational training made available under the Programme will be limited to unemployed persons and will no longer be provided to employees who have been warned about being dismissed. The Government adds that other measures, such as job rotation and measures of support for self employment have been discontinued due to the potential for abuse. The Committee notes the adoption, in February 2015, of the National Programme on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men 2015–21 and it’s Action Plan, approved in April 2015. The Government indicates that new active labour market policy measures have been introduced, particularly the promotion of employment under apprenticeship contracts and advanced training to improve or restore work skills or professional qualifications. The Committee notes that, according to the statistical data provided by the Government through 2016, the general unemployment rate has continued to decrease, from 10.9 per cent in 2014 to 9.3 per cent in 2015, falling to 9 per cent in 2016. From 2014 to 2015, the overall unemployment rate for women decreased from 9.4 per cent to 8.4 per cent, while the unemployment rate for men decreased from 12.4 per cent to 10.3 per cent during the same period. From 2015 to 2016, the share of long-term unemployed among the unemployed fell from 31.3 per cent to 27.5 per cent. The unemployment rate for older workers (over 50 years of age) increased from 32.8 per cent in 2014 to 36.4 per cent in 2015, reaching 37.7 per cent in 2016. The Committee requests the Government to provide information including statistical data disaggregated by age and sex, on the impact of the active labour market policy measures implemented on reducing unemployment, particularly among the target groups identified in Law on Employment No. XII-2470, and including measures taken under the National Programme on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men 2015–21. The Committee also requests the Government to provide updated statistics in relation to employment and unemployment trends.

Regional development. The Committee notes that regional disparities in unemployment rates persist. Despite significant decreases since the last report, the largest number of unemployed persons registered in 2016 was reported in Ignalina (17.6 per cent). Lazdija and Zarasai reported 16.1 per cent and 15.6 per cent unemployed persons registered, respectively, while Vilnius reported 6.3 per cent. With 5.1 per cent, the municipality of Elektrnai had the lowest unemployment rate in the country. The Committee notes that 96 local employment initiative projects were implemented in areas with high unemployment rates, of which 57 were projects in regions with unemployment rates 1.3 times higher than the national average, resulting in the creation of 390 jobs. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the results of the measures implemented to increase employment rates in regions undergoing economic crisis with high unemployment rates.

Youth employment. The Committee notes that from 2014 to 2015, the unemployment rate for young persons between 15 and 24 years of age decreased from 19.3 per cent to 16.3 per cent. The Government reports that the number of Youth Labour Centres providing targeted services under the 2014 Youth Guarantee Initiative (YGI) will increase from 37 to 45 by the end of 2016. In 2015, 57,000 out of 91,000 participants in the YGI aged 16 to 29 obtained employment, while 20,100 took part in active labour market measures and 10,000 became self-employed. As part of early intervention activities, the Government reports that the Discover Yourself Project will be implemented between September 2015 and September 2018, targeting 35,000 unemployed young persons who are neither studying nor taking part in other training. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the activities and outcomes of the YGI, the Discover Yourself Project and other measures adopted to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment for young persons.

Long-term unemployed, refugees, less qualified and older workers. The Government refers to the participation of the social partners in the YGI, the Discover Yourself Project and in the action plan on the integration of refugees into the labour market. The Committee further notes the projects Improving Competences of Unqualified Persons and Support for the Employment of the Long-Term Unemployed, launched in 2014. Focusing on unemployed persons above the age of 54, the Support for the Older Unemployed Project, which commenced in 2015, provided vocational training measures to 1,153 persons. In addition, 3,112 persons benefited from subsidized employment measures and 71 from measures supporting their territorial mobility. In this regard, the Committee notes with interest the mobility incentives established under the 2017 Law for persons participating in supported employment measures, jobseekers participating in group consulting sessions forming part of their individual employment plans and newly recruited persons. The incentives, which seek to encourage greater mobility within the area served by the local employment service office, cover travel costs for a maximum of three months and offer payments of up to 33 per cent of the national minimum monthly salary during the same time period. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the achievements of the projects for Improving Competences of Unqualified Persons, Support for the Employment of the Long-Term Unemployed, Support for the Older Unemployed, the travel costs compensation scheme and other measures adopted to enhance job opportunities for long-term unemployed, refugees, less qualified and older workers and the role played by the social partners in formulating employment policies (Article 3 of the Convention).

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

Formulation and implementation of an active employment policy. Labour market trends. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in November 2013, which includes information pertaining to its 2011 observation. The Committee notes that the unemployment rate was measured at 11.4 per cent in January 2013, a 0.6 percentage point decrease compared to the previous year. It also notes that 40.6 per cent out of the total number of registered unemployed in January 2013 did not have any professional qualification. The Government indicates that 5,600 dismissed employees and unemployed people participated in vocational training programmes in 2012. It also reports on the implementation of the “Subsidies for Entrepreneurship Promotion” in 2013, which are measures aimed at providing further financial support to new entrepreneurs, who benefited in the past from the Entrepreneurship Promotion Fund. According to the Government’s report, in 2012, 75 per cent of the loans issued from the Entrepreneurship Promotion Fund were granted to persons under 29 years of age or companies established by them and 13 per cent were allocated to persons above the age of 50. Public work programmes have continued being implemented to support the long-term unemployed and older unemployed people. In 2012, the number of long-term unemployed persons who participated in public work schemes was 16,244, whereas the number of persons over 50 years of age involved in such schemes was 10,319. The Committee invites the Government to continue providing information on the implementation of the active labour market measures adopted within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. Please also include information on the measures adopted to support the labour market integration of low-skilled persons, older workers and the long-term unemployed.

Regional development. The Committee notes that in 2013 higher unemployment rates were registered in the districts of Ignalina (20.2 per cent), Altyus (19.1 per cent) and Zarasai (18.4 per cent). In this regard, the Government reports on the implementation of the 2011–13 Programme for the Reduction of Social Exclusion and Economic Differences in Regions. Measures undertaken within this framework comprised local employment initiative projects, subsidies designed to boost job creation in problematic areas and support for self employment of the unemployed. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the results of the measures implemented to increase employment rates in economically depressed areas.

Youth employment. The Committee notes that, according to Eurostat, the unemployment rate among young people under 25 years was situated at 22.9 per cent in November 2013. It also notes the adoption of a National Programme for the Development of the Youth Policy which started in 2011 and will conclude in 2019. This programme aims to improve the services offered by youth employment centres and develop non-formal education programmes for early school leavers, among others. Additionally, the Plan of Action of the State Labour Inspectorate Aimed at Reducing Youth Unemployment in 2012–13 was launched. The Committee notes that, in connection to this project, the Government held consultations with students of vocational and high schools and provided information on labour rights and job opportunities. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the outcomes of the measures adopted to enhance job opportunities for young people.

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

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Employment trends. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in September 2010 which includes detailed information in reply to its 2009 observation. The Government indicates that as a result of the global economic crisis in 2008, the country’s economy and financial sector suffered from a slowdown in economic growth. Credit resources in Lithuania became inaccessible and the Lithuanian economy experienced a great overheat in 2004–08, resulting in a greater decline than other EU Member States. On 9 December 2009, the Programme of the fifteenth Government of the Republic of Lithuania was approved and noted that globalization, emigration of the labour force, in particular of high-skilled specialists, has become a threatening holdout for economic development; therefore the Government will put resolute efforts in restructuring the labour market and the related institutions to ensure successful economic development and growth for the benefit and welfare of the country’s population. The Government reports that the employment rate was calculated at 64.3 per cent in 2008, a 0.6 percentage point decline when compared to 2007, and decreased to 60.1 per cent in 2009 and 57.8 per cent in 2010. The Government further reports that the unemployment rate reached 13.7 per cent in 2009, twice as high as the previous year, and the Committee notes the Eurostat unemployment figures calculated this rate at 15.6 per cent in May 2011. The Government indicates that labour market policy was restructured so as to involve as much unemployed persons as possible in active labour market policy measures. The essential objective in 2009 was to stabilize the situation of the labour market and create employment opportunities for dismissed workers. The Law on Employment Support, adopted in 2009, aimed at creating conditions favourable to increase employment possibilities for individuals through active labour market policy measures such as retraining, subsidized employment, support for creating jobs, support for territorial mobility of the unemployed, job rotation, public works and self-employment. In 2009, the territorial labour exchange offices of the country referred over 47,500 persons to active labour market policy measures. Following the enactment of revised provisions of the Law on Employment Support, the Lithuanian Labour Market Training Authority ceased being the institution implementing employment support policy as of October 2010, and was replaced by the Lithuanian Labour Exchange and its 10 territorial labour exchange offices. The Lithuanian Labour Exchange prepares reports on the assessment of the situation of the labour market in Lithuania and labour market forecasts. It also provides statistical information to the Department of Statistics of the Government following surveys carried out by the territorial labour exchange offices. The Committee invites the Government to provide information in its next report on the extent to which active labour market policies are coordinated so as to effectively translate into productive employment creation. It also invites the Government to provide in its next report information and data concerning the size and distribution of the labour force, the nature and extent of unemployment and underemployment and trends therein by region, as a basis for deciding on employment policy.

Regional development. The Government reports that provisions of the Law on Employment Support, as of 1 August 2009, created preconditions for the implementation of the measures for supporting territorial mobility and promoting employment with regard to jobs available in remote locations. The Committee notes that unemployed persons who obtain employment in remote areas shall be paid compensation which covers some expenses, such as commuting and accommodation costs, as indicated in the legislation. Following redundancies at the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant (INPP), the Government indicates that monitoring of the labour market in the INPP region is carried out on a continuous basis, through the organization of individual and group consultations with employers and jobseekers in the region, with the aim of further integration of the redundant INPP employees in the labour market. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report information on specific measures undertaken to promote employment in remote areas of the country.

Small and medium-sized enterprises. Cooperatives. The Government reports that amendments were introduced to the Law on Small and Medium-sized Business Development in May 2010 aimed at reducing the administrative burden on businesses seeking to obtain state support. The Government further reports that a key priority for developing business at the European and national level remains to support small and medium-sized businesses, not only by encouraging the establishment of new enterprises but also by creating favourable conditions for existing ones. The Committee notes the measures targeting small and medium sized businesses include: the Entrepreneurship Foundation, a measure implemented in the third quarter of 2010 which provides training, loans and/or subsidies to persons starting their own business and enterprises developing their activities; the Open Credit Fund which will facilitate open credit line agreements with selected banks; and the provision of guarantees and subsidizing of interests and loans. The Committee invites the Government to supply further information in its next report on the impact of the law adopted in May 2010 on the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises as well as on the measures adopted to support cooperatives on employment creation.

Corporate social responsibility. The Government indicates that it aims to promote the principles of corporate social responsibility among businesses operating within the country. The aim is to balance competitiveness with a safe and ecologically clean environment, strong social cohesion, transparent and ethical business practices. The Promotion of corporate social responsibility project in Lithuania was implemented following measures adopted under the 2007–13 Action Programme on developing human resources. Furthermore, on 12 January 2010, the Government approved the 2009–13 National Programme on Corporate Social Responsibility and its 2009–11 Plan of measures for its implementation. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report further information on the impact on employment generation of the abovementioned corporate social responsibility project and the 2009–13 National Programme on Corporate Social Responsibility.

Youth employment. The Committee notes that, in 2009, the labour exchange offices registered 79,600 young unemployed persons under the age of 25 which represented twice the number of persons registered in 2008. The unemployment rate for young persons reached 29.3 per cent in 2009. In January 2010, the number of registered young unemployed persons amounted to 39,000, three times more than in January 2009. The Committee also notes the increase in long-term unemployment among the youth (young persons unemployed for over six months) with 24.7 per cent of all unemployed young persons (9,500 persons) as of 1 January 2010, when the figures for January 2009 were as low as 3 per cent. The Government indicates that mismatches between the needs of the labour market and the available pool of skills or lack thereof are the essential causes of unemployment among young persons. The Committee invites the Government to continue providing information on the impact of the measures aimed at finding lasting employment for young workers.

Other vulnerable categories of workers. The Government reports that, in 2008, close to 50,000 unemployed persons over the age of 50 were registered with the labour exchange offices, and that this number increased to 71,900 in 2009. The Committee notes that 19,500 older workers were placed into jobs in 2009 and 10,600 older persons were referred to active employment policy measures, such as public works, subsidized employment and vocational training. The Committee invites the Government to continue providing in its next report information on the impact of the measures aimed at finding lasting employment for vulnerable categories of workers, such as the long-term unemployed and older workers.

Article 3. Consultation and cooperation with the social partners. The Government indicates that the social partners implementing the employment policy measures represent their interests by participating in the activities of the Republic of Lithuania Tripartite Council at the Ministry of Social Security and Labour. Cooperation arrangements are also signed between the institutions implementing employment support policy and separate sectors of the economy, associations, organizations and research institutions representing interests of various groups of residents. Moreover, the Lithuanian Labour Exchange cooperates on the basis of agreements with eleven employers’ organizations with the largest memberships in the country. In organizing vocational training of unemployed persons, the Labour Exchange coordinates the list of available training and retraining programmes with employers’ organizations. The Committee also notes with interest that tripartite commissions were established at the Lithuanian Labour Exchange and territorial labour exchange offices and consist of an equal number of employer, worker and state/municipal representatives. The Government states that the objective of the tripartite commissions is to submit proposals on defining the priority guidelines for the Lithuanian Labour Exchange on the expediency of drafting employment support programmes, on the implementation of employment support measures and provision of labour market services, as well as on the issues of increasing the efficiency of activities. Furthermore, the Government approved on 24 March 2010 the proposals concerning the reduction of unemployment submitted by the Work Group which include: the creation of privileges to employers hiring young persons for their first job; the simplification of the procedure for organising public works by municipalities; and the compensation of partial costs for the unemployed getting business licences through the mediation of the Labour Exchange. The Committee invites the Government to continue providing information on consultation and cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations in the formulation and implementation of employment policies in the meaning of the Convention.

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

The Committee notes the Government’s report received in September 2008 which mirrors the information already provided in its report for the period ending in June 2006. It also notes the information concerning the measures taken to implement the Job Creation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189), and the Promotion of Cooperatives Recommendation, 2002 (No. 193), provided by the Government in its replies to the questionnaire for the General Survey on employment. The Committee also refers to its 2009 observation on the application of the Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142).

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Employment trends. The Government indicates that the employment rate was 63.6 per cent in 2006, increasing to 64.9 per cent in 2007, and that the unemployment rate, harmonized amongst 15–74 year-olds, was 5.6 per cent in 2006, falling to 4.3 per cent in 2007. The Government refers to the National Reform Programme and the working groups established to monitor and evaluate its implementation under the National Lisbon Strategy. The Committee notes the Council of the European Union’s March 2009 analysis set forth in its country-specific recommendations for Lithuania, which establishes that, in 2008, employment growth turned negative and unemployment was expected to increase to over 5 per cent. Large-scale employee dismissals were on the increase, affecting in particular the lower skilled, low-qualified, young persons, rural residents and older workers. Finally, the analysis predicts that regional differences in unemployment may become more pronounced. The Committee notes the deterioration that has taken place in the employment situation since its last comments. It understands that the Government intends to support full employment in the context of the European Lisbon Strategy for jobs and growth. The Committee requests the Government to specify in its next report how, pursuant to Article 2, it keeps under review the measures and policies adopted according to the results achieved in pursuit of the objectives specified in Article 1. It recalls that, in the terms of Article 1, an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment should be pursued “as a major goal”. As required by Article 3, the Committee hopes that the Government’s report will also provide information on consultation and cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations in the formulation and implementation of employment policies to alleviate the current employment situation.

Regional development. The Government indicates that it has prepared a draft programme for promoting the migration of workforce in the country, which serves to: (i) encourage territorial mobility of its citizens; (ii) increase employability of population; (iii) coordinate workforce supply and demand; and (iv) support enterprises in recruiting relevant employees. The Committee also notes that a suggestion was made to implement measures of the programme in 2008–10. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report information on the implementation of this programme, as well as other specific activities undertaken to promote employment in disadvantaged regions, including the enhancement of labour mobility.

Small and medium-sized enterprises. Cooperatives. The Government reported that, in the 2007 Law on Small and Medium-sized Business Development of the Republic of Lithuania, it established more specific criteria to define very small, small and medium-sized enterprises and provided for new forms of state support for their business activities. The Department of Statistics is collecting and publishing data on cooperative enterprises. The Committee invites the Government to supply further information in its next report on the impact of this new law on the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises as well as on the measures adopted to support cooperatives on employment creation.

Corporate social responsibility. The Government indicates in its report that, since 2004, it has promoted corporate responsibility for all enterprises as a way to integrate social and environmental concerns and enable interactions with stakeholders. The Committee notes that the Government elaborated upon the draft measures promoting corporate social responsibility in 2006–08 and launched the National Responsible Business Award, which honoured, inter alia, enterprises that managed to establish safe, healthy, high quality and attractive jobs for their employees. The National Gender Equality Programme 2005–09 was established to increase opportunities for women to start and develop businesses and to promote their economic activity. In the context of employment deterioration, the Committee notes that corporate social responsibility promotes the development of enterprises by fostering a positive environment and dialogue amongst businesses and other stakeholders, in particular authorities responsible for designing and implementing active labour market measures and workers’ organizations. The Committee therefore welcomes this innovative way in promoting productive employment. The Committee invites the Government to continue fostering programmes in pursuit of corporate social responsibility and to provide in its next report any information available on the impact of the National Responsible Business Award and the National Gender Equality Programme on employment generation by small and medium-sized enterprises.

Youth employment. Other vulnerable categories of workers. The Committee notes that, in 2006–07, the Lithuanian Labour Exchange implemented measures promoting learning, job search and selection of professional opportunities for young persons. The Government reports that it has ten youth labour centres, and that three of the centres were opened in 2007. The Committee notes that, in 2007, a new strategy of youth job centres was approved, which seeks to facilitate the integration of youth into the labour market. In addition, the development of skills necessary for competition in the labour market, and motivating the youth to lifelong learning as part of the strategy. The Committee invites the Government to specify in its next report the impact of the measures taken aimed at finding lasting employment for young workers entering into the labour market. The Government reports that, in 2007, more than 42,000 unemployed persons over 50 years of age were registered in its territorial labour exchange, and that it placed 23,600 of those workers into jobs. The Committee also invites the Government to include information on measures taken to ensure the return of long-term unemployed persons and older workers to the labour market.

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

The Committee takes note of the detailed and comprehensive information provided by the Government in its first report received in October 2006.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. Employment trends and active labour market measures. The Committee takes note that the employment rate was 61.1 per cent in 2003, increasing to 62.6 per cent in 2005, and that the unemployment rate, harmonized amongst 15–64‑year‑olds, was 12.4 per cent in 2003, falling to 8.2 per cent in 2005. Further to Lithuania’s accession to the European Union in 2004, the Government implemented its National Reform Programme, which serves to identify national priorities to be implemented at the macroeconomic level, microeconomic level, and with respect to employment policy. The priority goals for Lithuania’s employment policy are to: (i) attract and retain in employment a large number of people and to ensure high-quality and safe employment through modernization of the labour market and social security systems; (ii) improve the adaptability of workers and enterprises; and (iii) to reduce structural unemployment through increased investment in human resources. The Committee notes that the National Reform Programme establishes employment targets until 2010 and intermediate targets for 2005–08, providing, inter alia, for a 68.8 per cent rate of employment of residents aged from 15 to 64, in 2010. The Committee requests the Government to continue to supply information on the active employment policies pursued, and results thereof, to ensure: (a) there is work for all who are available for and seeking work; (b) such work is as productive as possible; (c) there is freedom of choice of employment and that each worker shall have the fullest possible opportunity to qualify for and use his skills.

2. The Committee notes that one of the priorities of Lithuania’s regional policy is an evenly distributed territorial economic development. To this end, the Strategy of Lithuanian Regional Policy until 2013 seeks to increase territorial social inclusion so that the average standard of living in every county, estimated on the basis of annual income per capita is not less than 75 per cent of annual income per capita for the whole country, and that the unemployment level of every county does not rise by more than 35 per cent above the average national level of unemployment. The Committee requests that the Government continue to provide information on specific activities undertaken with a view to promoting employment in disadvantaged regions, including information on steps taken to promote labour mobility.

3. The Government reports that active labour market policy measures have been developed, and better links between the education system and the labour market is being pursued, so as to address the employment situation of young people. In this regard, the Lithuanian Labour Exchange was developing special measures for young persons and that, in 2000–05, local labour exchanges offered services to 299,800 young unemployed persons from the ages of 16 to 25, and that there were six youth labour centres in Lithuania. The Government also reports on particular programmes which have been designed to increase the rate of employment for those over 55 years of age, and to provide opportunities for them to remain in the workforce longer. The Government is requested to continue to keep the Committee apprised of measures it has taken aimed at finding lasting employment for young workers entering into the labour market and for older workers to keep them in the active labour market.

4. Educational and training policies. The Committee notes that the National Reform Programme (2005–08) provides for the updating and development of the educational, training and curricula content; the adoption of professional development standards, vocational training programmes tailored to the needs of the national economy and to conduct their expert evaluation; development of a single and transparent national qualifications system; development of teachers and lecturers, and assessment of educational institutions. The Government also reports that a system for quality assurance of national vocational training is being developed, so as to ensure that vocational training is tailored to address the needs of the economy, and to facilitate the training of high-calibre employees. The Committee refers to its 2004 direct request with respect to Convention No. 142 and requests that the Government continue to provide information, in its next report, on the application of Convention No. 122, on its vocational training activities, including on the participation in adult and lifelong learning activities, with particular regard to young and older workers, women workers and low-skilled workers.

5. Article 2. Decision-taking and reviewing procedures. The Government reports that the Schedule for the Structure of the Implementation and Monitoring of the National Lisbon Strategy provides for the formation of four multistakeholder task forces to monitor and evaluate the implementation and development of the National Reform Programme, with respect to macroeconomic policy, scientific research and experimental development and innovations, business competition, employment promotion and investment in human capital. The Committee requests that the Government provide more information in its next report on the deliberations of and results of activities undertaken by the aforementioned task forces with respect to the implementation of the National Reform Programme, and other such active employment policies designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment.

6. Article 3. Participation of social partners. The Committee notes that social partners represent their interest in the implementation of employment support policy through the Tripartite Council of Lithuania, and tripartite commissions of institutions under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour which are tasked with implementing employment policy, i.e. the Lithuanian Labour Exchange and the Lithuanian Labour Market Training Authority. The Committee asks the Government to provide more information in its next report on the specific tasks and/or responsibilities of social partners in the development and implementation of an active employment policy.