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

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Ratification: 1966)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report for 1 June 1998 to 31 May 2000, the Employment Action Plan 2000 and other documentation forwarded, as well as the detailed reply to the 1999 observation.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Government states that the employment rate was 74.6 per cent in March-May 2000, up from 73.8 per cent in 1998. Employment declined in the production sector but grew in the services sector, which now accounts for 75 per cent of all workforce jobs. Unemployment decreased from 6.3 per cent in 1998 to 5.6 per cent in 2000. The unemployment rate was 6.1 per cent for men and 5.0 per cent for women. Long-term unemployment as a percentage of total employment dropped from 32 per cent in 1998 to 27 per cent in 2000. The Government describes in detail a broad range of programmes to tackle remaining unemployment and promote participation, including New Deals for a range of jobseekers, tax credits for working families and disabled persons, telephone and Internet-based employment services, Employment Zones and Action Teams for Jobs to assist the long-term unemployed in locations with high levels of unemployment, a one-stop-shop for obtaining a range of benefits and job search assistance, codes of practice concerning older workers and workers with disabilities, Equality Direct to provide employers with information about equal opportunities, rural public transport development, a National Child Care Strategy, and a new career guidance and support service for 13-19 year-olds. Many of these new programmes are still in the pilot stages. The Government states that it pilots new policies to ensure value for money and that initiatives meet the needs of target groups. Please continue to supply information on the impact of these programmes on employment promotion for the various target groups.

2. The Committee notes with interest that the Government is piloting an employment and training programme to support homeless people over 25 years of age and is testing a programme to help jobseekers who are disadvantaged due to former drug use. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the success of these programmes in promoting employment of these categories of potential jobseekers.

3. Article 3. The Committee notes that the Government consults with representatives of client groups, with clients directly and with NGOs. The Committee also notes with interest that the Government ensures that the needs and interests of small businesses are considered in the formulation of policy, and small business representative organizations are always consulted when new policies impacting on small businesses are being developed. Please continue to provide information on the manner in which those affected by employment policies are consulted.