Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - New Caledonia

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

Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention.Implementation of the employment policy within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. Participation of the social partners. The Committee notes with interest all the measures adopted for the implementation of the Employment and Vocational Integration Strategy 2016–20 (SEIP), including through territorial Act No. 2018-20 of 2 October 2018, organizing the governance of the employment, integration and vocational training and guidance sector in three levels (policy, technical and advisory). The Act provides, among other measures, for the establishment of the conference of executives and the creation of the strategic employment, integration and vocational training and guidance council (CSEIFOP), which plays a major role in the governance of the sector. The Government indicates that many measures have been taken to combat unemployment and promote the creation of stable, productive and quality jobs. It reports the adoption of the Local Employment Support Emergency Plan (PULSE), which has been drawn up to preserve and develop employment. The Committee notes the information provided on the results of the implementation of the Employment and Vocational Integration Strategy 2016-20 (SEIP), which are set out in the annual implementation review (RAE). With reference to labour market information, the Government indicates that many employment measurement tools and indicators have been introduced with a view to evaluating, adapting, reorienting and intensifying the employment policy. In particular, it refers to the employment, skills, wages and training observatory (OEQSF), which addresses employment problems through two draft studies, namely: the employment market study and the prospective employment and training study. In this regard, the Social Dialogue Council (CDS) observes, in the opinion issued on 1 September 2021 on the reports on the application of ILO Conventions, that the social partners regret that the prospective employment and training study, which is carried out every two years covering enterprises in New Caledonia with a view to assessing their employment and training needs and examining the recruitment procedures of employers, has not been undertaken since 2019. In this regard, the Government confirms that, in view of the budgetary difficulties in New Caledonia, no allocation was made in the budget for the study to be carried out. The CDS also observes that sectoral employment market studies, which are of great value to the social partners, are no longer published due to the lack of statistics and the impossibility of producing indicators at the level of New Caledonia. In this connection, the Government indicates that the introduction of a new trade application in one of the three provinces of the territory in January 2019 resulted in the breakdown of the systems for the processing of statistics and resulted in it being impossible to produce employment market indicators at the territorial level. However, the Government refers to the syntheses produced annually by the Statistics and Economic Studies Institute (ISEE-NC). It indicates that these syntheses are based on labour force surveys carried out in accordance with ILO standards and are financed by the Government of New Caledonia with a view to producing indicators for the regular monitoring of unemployment and employment. With reference to labour market trends, the Committee takes due note of the voluminous information provided by the Government, including the statistics contained in the employment and training synthesis produced by the ISEE-NC in 2019, which shows a slight increase in the employment rate of women (from 56.0 per cent in 2014 to 56.6 per cent in 2019) and a significant decline in the rate for men (from 65.9 per cent in 2014 to 63.4 per cent in 2019). The gap between the employment rates of men and women therefore fell to 7 points in 2019, compared with 13 points in 2009 and 25 points in 1989. In relation to the participation of the social partners, the Committee notes that they have been associated with the formulation and implementation of measures intended to promote full employment through the various bodies on which they are represented, including the CDS. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing detailed and updated information on the results of the measures implemented and on labour market trends, particularly in relation to the active population, employment and unemployment, disaggregated by sex and age. In particular, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted or envisaged for the reactivation of the prospective employment and training study and the sectoral labour market studies, which are of great value to the social partners. The Government is also requested to continue providing information on the consultations held with the social partners, in accordance with Article 3, as well as on the manner in which the representatives of minorities, including the Kanak community and the Saint-Louis tribe, are consulted on the formulation and implementation of the employment policies and programmes that affect them.

Groups in vulnerable situations. The Committee notes the general and specific measures which have been implemented to facilitate and promote the social and occupational integration of young persons in stable jobs. It notes in particular the implementation of personalized measures for individualized support to young persons encountering difficulties in integration, particularly in the southern province of the territory. With regard to the employment of young women, the Government reports the specific measures implemented to increase the labour market participation of women, including the draft texts of the Department of Labour and Employment, which are in the process of being prepared or adopted, with the objective of reconciling family life and work. It adds that the territorial Bill on real occupational equality between men and women is intended to combat gender stereotypes, sexism and discrimination at work and at the same time to offer the necessary conditions to improve the reconciliation of work and private life. The Committee notes in this respect the statistics provided by the Government on the labour market participation rate of women, including women in the Kanak community. It also notes that a rise in precarious employment is having a greater effect on this community (29 per cent of the Kanak community compared with 17 per cent of the non-Kanak population) and the increase in part-time jobs, the numbers of which rose from 10,400 in 2014 to 15,000 in 2019, in which a majority of women are employed (61 per cent of the labour force). With reference to persons with disabilities, the Government indicates that specific measures have been taken to promote their occupational integration. It reports in particular the launching in July 2018 of a website (handicap.nc) intended to improve the vocational integration of persons with disabilities. The Government also refers to projects to promote enterprise creation through the development of employment measures adapted to persons with disabilities. In this regard, the CDS indicates that the representative of the General Confederation of Labour (COGETRA) has requested an assessment of the employment of persons with disabilities by public communities in light of the obligations set out in the territorial legislation. It adds that the southern province is currently employing 11 officials instead of the required 65, and that the community has therefore been fined 65 million CFP francs The Committee requests the Government to continue providing detailed information, including disaggregated statistics, on the impact of the employment promotion measures adopted in terms of employment creation, particularly for women, young persons, members of the Kanak community and persons with disabilities. The Government is also requested to keep the Office informed of the development of the draft texts by the Department of Labour and Employment, which are in the process of being prepared or adopted, with a view to the reconciliation of work and family life. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the situation of persons in the Kanak community in relation to employment and occupation, and on any measures taken to improve their access to training and employment, remedy de facto inequalities and promote effectively equality in employment and occupation for all components of the population in New Caledonia.

COVID-19. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the measures adopted for the management of the effects of the COVID-19 health crisis, including Decision No. 26/CP of 11 April 2020 introducing exceptional measures in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and the specific or support subsidies provided to 3,780 enterprises.

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

Articles 1–3 of the Convention. Implementation of employment policy within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. Participation of the social partners. The Government indicates in its report that New Caledonia adopted the Employment and Vocational Integration Strategy 2015–20 (SEIP) on 15 November 2015. The strategy was formulated and implemented by all institutional stakeholders. The Government adds that the SEIP to a large extent constitutes a response to the comments that the Committee made in 2014, including with regard to measures implemented to facilitate the integration of young persons in the labour market. Moreover, the social partners were associated with the drawing up of the SEIP, as they are with its implementation. Their participation stems from their role in the preparation of the social agenda shared with the Government, which contains measures, including legal measures, to be taken to give full effect to the strategy, and also from their role in the actual implementation of the strategy. The SEIP defines the strategy of the Government of New Caledonia regarding employment and vocational integration for 2016–20 and establishes the following major objectives: (i) to help population groups furthest removed from employment to be integrated into the labour market through specific support and skills acquisition measures; (ii) to support enterprises by helping them to better address changes in their needs and in the skills of their employees, and also by implementing mechanisms that make them priority partners in employment and training policy; and (iii) to improve the effectiveness of public employment and vocational training policy. As regards changes in the legislation, the Committee notes the measures taken in early 2017 in favour of employment, including the facilitation of recruitment through the establishment of a simplified employment mechanism. The Government indicates that this mechanism allows administrative constraints to be reduced for employers who recruit workers for periods under three months. As regards changes in practice affecting the application of the Convention, the Government indicates that the ongoing deterioration of the job market in New Caledonia is causing changes in practice, such as the need for coordination and complementarity in the policies implemented by New Caledonia and the provinces, which calls for effective and increased consultation. The change in governance of the sector is also a key aspect of the SEIP, as part of which New Caledonia has entrusted to the Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies (ISEE) the task of conducting a survey on the labour force. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing up to-date information on labour market trends, and to indicate the impact of the measures taken to combat unemployment and promote the creation of stable, productive and quality jobs. It also requests the Government to provide information on the results of the implementation of the SEIP. The Committee further requests the Government to describe in more detail the manner in which the social partners were associated with the formulation and implementation of measures to promote full employment.

Youth employment. The Committee notes the report on the job market in New Caledonia for 2016, which was sent by the Government. This report, produced by the New Caledonia Skills Development Institute (IDC–NC), includes detailed statistics on the job market. It notes that, according to the report, there were 26,256 registered jobseekers in 2016, a 7 per cent increase over 2015. This number has been increasing since 2014, especially because of the increasingly precarious nature of employment, the reduction in the number of jobs offered, and demographic changes. Moreover, the Committee notes that the profile of jobseekers has been similar for a number of years, comprising mainly young people and women, though the numbers of women have been decreasing over the years. Jobseekers have few qualifications, with 90 per cent of them at the level of the baccalauréat or below. However, women tend to be better qualified than their male counterparts. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of measures implemented to facilitate the integration of young persons in the labour market, including specific measures for young women.

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

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of employment policy within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. In reply to the 2011 direct request, the Government indicates that, after several years of very strong growth, the economy of New Caledonia slowed in 2012. This trend was confirmed in 2013, mainly due to the end of the construction phase for the North Province factory and the conclusion of major construction projects, including for the airport. In the first quarter of 2014, the labour market totalled 91,430 employees, which signified an increase of 1,434 compared with 2013 and of 2,500 compared with 2012. The Committee notes that the Government continues to focus on the development of local employment and skills in New Caledonia. To this end, the Government requested that the operators of the two new metallurgical plants establish a provisional skills-management plan on their respective sites, aimed at integrating local workers into the operation phase of the plants. According to the “2013 prospective study on employment and training” of the Employment, Qualifications, Wages and Training Observatory, the Committee notes that employers find it difficult to hire people for the 20 highest-demand occupations, mainly due to a lack of qualifications and potential employees. The Government indicates that a significant part of the budget is allocated to further vocational training, and budgetary support is provided by the European Union. The Government also indicates that a “vocation space” has been established with the Territorial Establishment for Adult Training (ETFPA) in the framework of its policy on the treatment of disadvantaged and unqualified persons. The Committee invites the Government to continue providing up-to-date information on labour market trends, and to indicate the impact of the measures taken to combat unemployment and promote the creation of stable, productive and quality jobs. Please also report on the results of the measures implemented to narrow the gap between job supply and demand and to minimize regional disparities in access to employment.

Youth employment. The Committee notes that over a third of jobseekers are aged between 20 and 30 years and that this proportion is rising. The Government points out that jobseekers in general and, in particular, unemployed young persons who have left the school system with no qualifications, are the priority beneficiaries of vocational-training mechanisms. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the steps taken to facilitate the integration of young persons into the labour market, and on the results achieved in the creation of lasting employment in the framework of specific contracts, such as apprenticeship contracts and training contracts.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in formulating and implementing policies. The Government indicates that a dialogue session on the topic “how to strengthen assistance for finding employment and ensure better enforcement of the Local Employment Act” was initiated. The Committee invites the Government to provide further information on the manner in which the social partners have been involved in the formulation and implementation of measures to encourage full employment, either in the Social Dialogue Council (CDS) or through any other consultation mechanism.

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

The Committee takes notes of the information in the report of the Government of New Caledonia received in October 2011, the report of CAFAT and the appended quarterly employment bulletin.

Articles 1(3) and 2(a). General economic policy measures. The Government states that in 2010, New Caledonia had a declared workforce of 72,000, amounting to an increase of 2,000 over 2009. The number of unemployed stood at 17,000, 18 per cent of whom were long term unemployed. The Government also indicates that the temporary job sector is still particularly active, more than 1,799 temporary workers having registered in 2011 and the number of indefinite contracts having declined. The Committee notes that between 2010 and 2011, notwithstanding an increase in labour market participation as compared to 2009, the job supply rose by 22.5 per cent, exceeding the number of jobseekers, which posted a 7.4 per cent drop. Regional disparities in access to employment have not been fully resolved, since in 2010, thanks largely to the mining sector, the number of job vacancies increased by 41 per cent in the North Province while falling by 18.5 per cent in the South Province and stagnating in the Loyalty Islands, with only 34 job offers registered, i.e. 11 fewer than in 2009. The Committee notes in this connection the adoption in 2011 of the Act to promote, protect and support local employment, under which enterprises will now be required to register their job offers with the provincial placement services, the aim being to record labour availability more equitably and reduce the disparities between job supply and demand. The Committee invites the Government in its next report to provide up-to-date information on labour market trends and to indicate the impact of the measures taken to combat unemployment and promote the creation of stable, productive and high quality jobs. Please also report on the results of the measures implemented to narrow the gap between job supply and demand and to minimize regional disparities in access to employment.

Articles 1(2)(c) and 2(b). Labour market policy measures. The Government states that despite a slight increase over 2010, the number of training contracts is still low, since in the second quarter of 2011 only nine applications for permission to conclude training contracts were delivered. The number of apprenticeship contracts has risen by 9 per cent over 2010, with more than 620 such contracts having being granted since 1 January 2011. The Committee also notes that youth unemployment is still high, one out of three unemployed persons being under 30 years of age in 2011. It accordingly asks the Government to provide information on results obtained in the creation of lasting employment in the framework of contracts designed specifically to facilitate the integration of young people in the labour market, such as training contracts and apprenticeship contracts.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in formulating and implementing policies. The Committee notes the establishment of the Social Dialogue Council (CDS) in 2010, the role of which is to inform workers’ and employers’ organizations about the Government’s plans for reforms in the area of employment, and to issue opinions on labour laws and regulations and submit proposals to the Government. The Committee asks the Government in its next report to provide information on the manner in which the social partners have been associated in the formulation and implementation of measures to encourage full employment, either in the CDS or through any other consultation mechanism.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

The Committee notes the information contained in the report of the Government of New Caledonia received in August 2009, and also the attached documentation.

Articles 1(3) and 2(a) of the Convention. General economic policy measures. The Government indicates in its report that the labour market in New Caledonia totalled 69,091 employees as of 31 December 2008 (compared with 66,841 in 2007) and that the number of public sector employees was 14,979 in 2008 (compared with 14,579 in 2007) and that 15,803 self-employed workers were registered in 2008 (compared with 15,689 in 2007). The proportion of jobseekers within the active population was between 6.2 and 6.4 per cent in 2008, while the number of jobseekers stagnated between 2007 and 2008, with 28 more jobseekers in 2008. The Government also indicates that there was a notable increase in the level of education of jobseekers and in the proportion of women seeking work and a decrease in the number of long-term unemployed. The Committee notes that the three provinces (North, South and the Loyauté islands) show regional disparities with regard to the number of jobseekers and job offers. The Committee requests the Government to continue to supply information on the employment situation and the impact of measures taken to combat unemployment. It also requests the Government to indicate the steps taken or envisaged to promote harmonious regional development and to ensure the matching of labour supply and demand, on both an occupational and geographical basis.

Articles 1(2)(c) and 2(b). Labour market measures. The Government indicates that no notable change has occurred in its legislation or regulations concerning labour market policy measures. The Committee requests the Government to supply more detailed information on the results achieved regarding the creation of lasting employment, particularly on the impact of specific contracts for young persons – such as the provincial private enterprise access contract (CPAEP) and the provincial public interest contract (CPIP) for a maximum length of one year, and also the provincial solidarity contract (CPS) – designed to ensure their long-term vocational integration, as mentioned in previous reports.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the preparation and application of policies. The Committee notes the adoption of the New Caledonia Labour Code and its entry into force on 1 May 2008. It also notes that the Code was drafted in cooperation with the social partners and that their opinion is required before the adoption of any legislation relating to employment, whether through the Economic and Social Council, the Labour Advisory Committee or the Vocational Training Committee. The Committee requests the Government to continue to supply information on the measures taken to reinforce the participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of employment policies, stating the outcome and impact of the consultations held on the matters covered by the Convention.

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

The Committee notes the information in the Government’s report received in August 2007 and the detailed documentation attached.

1. Article 1, paragraph 3, and Article 2(a), of the Convention. General economic policy measures. In reply to the Committee’s direct request of 2005, the Government reports that the labour market in New Caledonia comprised 64,225 employees in 2006 (compared with 60,524 in 2005), while the number of jobseekers was slightly over 6,500 as at September 2006, including 4,500 in the South Province. Employment in New Caledonia is currently experiencing a period of vigorous growth, mainly for young workers, owing to the construction of the factory in the South Province. The Government also refers to the project for the development of an attractive economic hub designed to create employment in the North Province through the establishment of a factory and the installation of industries, craft workshops, shops, services and housing. A code of development applying specific mechanisms to promote and support the creation of economic activity has also been adopted by the North Province. In addition, the Government indicates that the construction sector is expanding greatly, while efforts are being maintained in the development of aquaculture, deep-sea fishing, agriculture and tourism. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing detailed information on employment trends and on the steps taken to pursue the diversification of economic activities.

2. Article 1, paragraph 2(c), and Article 2(b). Labour market measures. The Government indicates that, owing to existing activities and new measures taken by the South Province, there is currently a sharp drop in unemployment (nearly 4,900 jobseekers in 2006) and considerable growth in the supply of employment (nearly 8,700 job offers in 2006). The Committee notes that new mechanisms have been adopted to promote the vocational integration of young persons in the South Province through the establishment of the Provincial Private Enterprise Access Contract (CPAEP) and the Provincial Public Interest Contract (CPIP), for a maximum length of one year, and also the Provincial Solidarity Contract (CPS). Moreover, the Government indicates that it is working on the establishment of an occupational certification mechanism for New Caledonia intended to result in the creation of local diplomas, the aim of which is to meet specific ad hoc market needs. The Committee notes the setting up in 2006 of a Skills Development Institute in New Caledonia (IDC–NC), the role of which is to facilitate analysis, aid political decision-making and measure the impact of political choices for ensuring a better match between training and employment. The IDC–NC includes the Employment Monitoring Unit, which groups together and analyses all information relating to employment and conducts sectoral studies in order to anticipate employment and training needs in New Caledonia. The Committee also notes that the setting up of the “employment action centre”, a provincial public entity, in the North Province enables demand and employers’ needs to be linked directly to the human resources available and that it appears to be a prime tool for observing the local labour market. The Committee requests the Government to supply any evaluation available on the results achieved by the various labour market policy measures, and particularly on the impact of specific contracts for young persons on their long-term vocational integration.

3. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the preparation and application of policies. The Committee notes the opinion of the Economic and Social Council on the project to set up the IDC–NC, and also the opinion of the Labour Advisory Committee on the fixing of the guaranteed minimum wage and of the minimum wage for agriculture, sent by the Government and attached to its report. The Committee notes that the IDC–NC is headed by an administrative board which meets quarterly with the participation of employers’ and workers’ representatives. The Committee requests the Government to continue supplying examples of consultation of the social partners on the matters covered by the Convention, by publishing the opinions issued and indicating how they have been taken into account.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report received in August 2005, and the detailed documentation annexed to the report.

1. General economic policy measures. In reply to the direct request made by the Committee in 2004, the Government indicates that the labour market in New Caledonia amounted to around 70,000 employees in 2004, while the number of jobseekers was over 9,000. The policy for greater balance was pursued, among other steps, through fiscal measures to promote certain types of investment, particularly in relation to tourism. However, the Government indicates that the employment market is essentially concentrated in the South Province, and more particularly in Nouméa and its neighbouring areas. The Government states that the expected effects on the geographical balance of employment of the factory in the North will be perceptible in a few years when the project is more advanced. The Government also adds that, although the economy of New Caledonia is still mainly dominated by the extraction and trade in nickel, other economic sectors are experiencing rapid growth. The Committee notes this information and requests the Government to continue providing detailed information on developments relating to employment and on the measures adopted to pursue the diversification of economic activities (Article 1, paragraph 3, and Article 2(a) of the Convention).

2. Labour market policy measures. The Government indicates that, in parallel with State action, such as the programme of young trainees for development, the Assembly of the South Province has established specific contracts for young persons under 26 years of age to facilitate their vocational integration. Specific action is also taken by the Province’s youth employment unit, which is specifically responsible for assisting young persons in their initiatives to find employment. The Government adds that it is promoting and developing lifelong training and that emphasis is being placed on combating failure at school and the adaptation of university and technical training to the needs of the local labour market. The Committee notes this information and requests the Government to supply any evaluation that is available on the results achieved by its various labour market policy measures, and particularly on the impact of specific contracts for young persons on their long-term vocational integration (Article 1, paragraph 2(c), and Article 2(b)).

3. Consultation of the representatives of the persons affected. The Government states that the consultation of representatives of employers and workers may take institutional form, through the Labour Advisory Commission, on all texts relating to employment, or be carried out through the Social Dialogue Commission. The Government specifies that these consultations may take various forms, such as informal consultation with economic actors and university and political bodies, or through consular chambers, such as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, or the Chamber of Trades, which are in turn composed of enterprise representatives. Finally, the Government indicates that the Economic and Social Council may undertake studies on specific points either at its own initiative, when matters are formally requested, or automatically for certain texts. The Committee takes due note of this information and requests the Government to continue providing examples of such consultations, including the opinions issued and the manner in which they have been taken into account (Article 3).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

The Committee takes notes of the Government’s report on the application of the Convention in 2003 and the documentation attached thereto. It would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide detailed information on trends in employment and the measures implemented to promote employment, with regard to the following points in particular.

1. General economic policy measures (Article 1, paragraph 3, and Article 2(a), of the Convention). The Committee notes that the objectives of greater autonomy and economic diversification are being pursued inter alia through the development contracts concluded with the provinces, and through fiscal investment incentives. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the results obtained in terms of a more balanced distribution of activities between the provinces and the various sectors. Please indicate in particular the effect - or expected effect - on employment of the two important mining projects in North and South provinces. Please also describe the measures taken or envisaged to encourage diversification of economic activity.

2. Labour market policy measures (Article 1, paragraph 2(c), and Article 2(b)). The Committee notes the measures implemented to secure the integration of jobseekers. With regard to youth employment, it notes that the 2002 report on the "young trainees for development" programme found that it did not facilitate lasting occupational integration for the beneficiaries. The Committee requests the Government to continue to send all available evaluations of the results obtained by the various labour market policy measures and to indicate the action taken on them.

3. Consultation of representatives of the persons affected (Article 3). With reference to its previous comments, the Committee requests the Government to provide more specific information on the manner in which representatives of the persons affected, including workers’ and employers’ representatives, are consulted on employment policies, as required by the Convention. Please give examples of such consultations together with the views expressed and the manner in which they have been taken into account.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

1. The Committee notes the brief description of employment policies and the statistical information on labour market trends provided in the report for 2002.

2. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Committee notes the diversity of economic sectors, and the mild growth in most of these sectors. It also notes the trends in growth of employment in the public sector, disaggregated by sex. It would appreciate receiving further disaggregated statistics, if available, for other groups such as youth and people with disabilities, in light of the various targeted programmes that have been established.

3. Article 3. The Committee notes that the report does not contain any information on consultations with the social partners and again requests more detailed information on the manner in which representatives of persons affected are consulted concerning employment policies, including workers’ and employers’ representatives.

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

The Committee notes the information supplied for the period 1 July 1998 to 30 June 1999.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. According to the report, dependent employment grew by 2.8 per cent in the private sector, and by 3.2 per cent in the public sector. Increases were mainly in construction, office work, the professions, and commerce, and decreases were in mining. Unemployment increased, but youth unemployment decreased as more young people continued their studies, and a growing awareness by youth and their parents of the importance of qualifications for competing in the labour market. But youth unemployment still comprises 37 per cent of total unemployment. A system of temporary employment has been established for young unemployed people (less than 26 years of age) and other jobseekers having difficulties. Other youth programmes include apprenticeships, training and work experience. The Committee notes this information and would appreciate receiving further details on the outcome of these programmes on employment promotion.

2. The Committee notes that subsidies are provided for hiring people with disabilities on fixed term contracts. Please provide further information on the impact of this programme on helping people with disabilities to secure employment of a more permanent nature.

3. Article 2. The Committee notes that there is no system to collect labour market data in the territory, except for periodic censuses. Please provide further information on how employment polices and programmes are kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy.

4. Article 3. The Committee notes that consultations with the tripartite Territorial Committee for Vocational Training, Social Promotion and Employment on employment policy are required. The Territorial Committee may also address issues on its own initiative. Please provide further details on incidences of consultation on employment policy matters covered by the Convention, and their outcome.

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

The Committee notes the Government's reports for the periods 1 July 1994 to 30 June 1995 and 1 July 1997 to 30 June 1998. With reference to its previous requests, the Committee notes with interest the survey on occupational insertion of the former trainees of the "400 managers" programme. Moreover, it notes the adoption of measures to assess the impact of the "young trainees for development" programme on the occupational insertion of its beneficiaries. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide any available information on the effectiveness of active labour market policy measures.

The Committee notes the Government's statement that reducing the existing economic and social differences between the three provinces is a priority for the Territory and that in this regard the Government refers to different economic projects in the mining, tourism, construction and administration sectors. With reference to the comments that it has been making for several years, the Committee hopes that the Government's next report will contain more detailed information on the global and sectoral development policies which are being implemented to promote harmonious regional and development activities and employment.

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

1. The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending 30 June 1994. It appears from the report supplied by the Government that, given the near stagnation of wage employment between 1993 and 1994, the number of jobseekers increased to more than 9 per cent. Declared unemployment has hit young people in particular; at the end of the period they account for almost 60 per cent of all jobseekers. In addition, unemployment has remained concentrated in the South Province.

2. The Government indicates that measures for the employment of young people have contributed to limiting the number of young people without jobs. Referring to its previous comments,the Committee notes, however, that the number of young persons having found jobs due to their participation in the "young trainees for development" plan is not known. It again invites the Government to indicate whether provisions have been taken or are envisaged so as to evaluate the results of the various youth training and insertion programmes for both sexes. The Committee recalls in this regard that, by virtue of Article 2 of the Convention, the measures in an employment policy must be determined and revised regularly with a view to attaining the objectives set out in Article 1, namely full, productive and freely chosen employment (along the lines of paragraph 2(c)).

3. The Committee also recalls that these measures must form part of the larger context of "coordinated economic and social policy". It regrets that the report does not contain the information requested previously on the global and sectoral development policies and their contribution to the promotion, "as a major goal", of full, productive and freely chosen employment. Referring to its previous requests, the Committee hopes, i particular, that the Government will supply with its next report full information on the measures taken or envisaged so as to promote harmonious regional development and redress the persistent disparity in the employment situation of the three provinces.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

1. The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending June 1992. It notes that the Government refers, as it did in its previous report, to the data from the April 1989 census, as well as to statistics of the job applications registered during the period. The Committee hopes that the next report will contain detailed statistical information on the level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, by sex and age, both for the territory as a whole and for the each of the three provinces.

2. The Committee notes the information concerning the measures to promote the integration of young persons in employment. It notes the particular importance of the "young trainees for development" programme and would be grateful if the Government would describe this programme, with an indication of the measures which have been taken to evaluate its results in terms of the lasting occupational integration of its participants.

3. The Committee requests the Government to continue supplying information which is as detailed as possible on the measures taken to combat unemployment and would be grateful if it would supply additional information on overall and sectoral development policies and the manner in which they contribute to the promotion of employment "within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy". In view of the persistence of broad disparities in the employment situation of the three provinces, the Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the measures which have been taken or are envisaged to promote harmonious regional development and to balance the supply and demand for labour at both the occupational and geographical levels.

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

1. The Committee notes the information supplied in the Government's report in reply to its previous direct request. It notes that the data from the April 1989 census show an unemployment rate of 16 per cent. It also notes that unemployment is distributed unevenly throughout the territory and young first-time jobseekers are seriously affected. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide detailed information in its next report on the level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment in the various sectors of activity and categories of the active population.

2. The Committee notes the information on the implementation of measures to promote the employment of young people. It notes in particular the high number of participants in the "young trainees for development" plan, and would be grateful if the Government would provide particulars of the results obtained in securing employment for these trainees. The Committee also notes the provisions on the temporary employment scheme which were adopted in 1989 and asks the Government to provide information on developments in the implementation of these provisions.

3. The Committee notes that there is still a considerable disparity in the employment situation in the three provinces. It would be grateful if in its next report the Government would state whether measures are being taken or envisaged in the context of a coordinated social and economic policy to promote harmonious regional development and balance the supply and demand of labour both in terms of occupation and geographically.

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

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It refers to its previous comments and it hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in reply to its previous direct request. It notes the positive effect of the measures taken to promote the employment of young persons and the disabled. The statistics provided show a slight increase in the number of registered employees (33,820 in June 1988 in comparison with 33,007 in June 1987), although the number of registered unemployed also increased during this period. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would, in future reports, continue supplying information on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, as requested in the second question of the report form under Article 1 of the Convention. Please also refer to Part IV of the report form.

2. The Committee notes the effect of the measures taken within the framework of the temporary employment scheme introduced in 1986 and observes, in particular, that only a few of the workers recruited in 1987 were employed following their contracts (of from three to six months). It notes with interest that, alongside these "social" measures to combat unemployment "economic" measures were adopted in 1988. It would be grateful if the Government would supply information on the development and impact of these measures.

3. The Committee notes from the Government's report that women form the majority of job-seekers up to the age of 25, but that there is no specific provision to promote their employment. Please indicate whether measures have been taken or are envisaged to promote the employment of this specific category of the active population.

4. The Committee notes that the balance between the supply and demand of labour and the reduction of the imbalance between Nouméa and the interior and the islands depends on the creation of centres of activity. It requests the Government to describe, in future reports, the general and selective measures that are taken in the context of balanced regional development policies and labour market policies, intended to balance the supply and demand of labour both on the vocational and geographical levels.

5. With reference to its previous comments, concerning the question of the co-ordination of education and training policies with employment prospects, the Committee refers to its comments on the application of Convention No. 142.

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

1. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in reply to its previous direct request. It notes the positive effect of the measures taken to promote the employment of young persons and the disabled. The statistics provided show a slight increase in the number of registered employees (33,820 in June 1988 in comparison with 33,007 in June 1987), although the number of registered unemployed also increased during this period. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would, in future reports, continue supplying information on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, as requested in the second question of the report form under Article 1 of the Convention. Please also refer to Part IV of the report form.

2. The Committee notes the effect of the measures taken within the framework of the temporary employment scheme introduced in 1986 and observes, in particular, that only a few of the workers recruited in 1987 were employed following their contracts (of from three to six months). It notes with interest that, alongside these "social" measures to combat unemployment "economic" measures were adopted in 1988. It would be grateful if the Government would supply information on the development and impact of these measures.

3. The Committee notes from the Government's report that women form the majority of job-seekers up to the age of 25, but that there is no specific provision to promote their employment. Please indicate whether measures have been taken or are envisaged to promote the employment of this specific category of the active population.

4. The Committee notes that the balance between the supply and demand of labour and the reduction of the imbalance between Nouméa and the interior and the islands depends on the creation of centres of activity. It requests the Government to describe, in future reports, the general and selective measures that are taken in the context of balanced regional development policies and labour market policies, intended to balance the supply and demand of labour both on the vocational and geographical levels.

5. With reference to its previous comments, concerning the question of the co-ordination of education and training policies with employment prospects, the Committee refers to its comments on the application of Convention No. 142.