Social Policy (Non-Metropolitan Territories) Convention, 1947 (No. 82) - Montserrat

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2024, published 113rd ILC session (2025)

Part III of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living and other social policy objectives. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it has continued its economic and social development while making some necessary adjustments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional assistance had to be provided in terms of food, medical services, education and public services to meet the socio-economic and health needs of the most vulnerable and to ensure the protection of children. The Committee notes, in this regard, that the budget and action plan for 2023–24 aim to improve the quality of life by adjusting wages in the public service, transforming the health system, increasing funding in the education sector, building new housing and social housing, reforming the social security system and strengthening community programmes for vulnerable groups. Furthermore, in its previous comment, the Committee noted the development of the Economic Growth Strategy (EGS) in 2017 and observes that the strategic direction of the EGS continues, as it is part of the new sustainable development plan. Consultations on phase II of the plan began in May 2022 and focus on validating the results of phase I and developing strategies, programmes and activities to be implemented in the short, medium and long term. Lastly, the Committee notes that the Government launched a new population and housing census in 2023, which includes several new questions on unpaid work, health, disability and COVID-19. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide up-to-date information on the economic and social development of Montserrat, so that the improvement of living standards is regarded as the principal objective in the planning of economic development (Article 6 of the Convention), in particular by indicating: (1) the progress made in the consultation process relating to the new sustainable development plan; (2) the expected and observed impact of the measures adopted under this new plan and the action plan for 2023–24, where appropriate; and (3) the measures expected following the completion of the population and housing census in 2023.

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

Part III of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee notes with interest the Economic Growth Strategy (EGS) and Delivery Plan for Montserrat, developed in 2017. It notes that the EGS aims to boost economic growth, productivity and employment by investing in key areas such as the visitor economy, building an enterprise culture, specific economic sectors (sand mining, agriculture, financial services and power generation) and infrastructure. The Government indicates that the EGS lays out the path for an inclusive and sustainable economic development to raise the standard of living. The Committee notes that, through a partnership with the Caribbean Development Bank, the Government has developed a poverty assessment as well as a Survey of Living Conditions. According to these assessments, the economy of Montserrat, is in a period of recovery following the volcanic eruptions. In addition, according to the data provided in the EGS, Montserrat’s population grew from 4,775 in 2011 to 5,045 in 2016. The Committee further notes that the Government has substantially increased the size and capacity of its Social Services Department to respond to the psychological needs of those in vulnerable situations. The assistance provided includes: rental assistance; monthly financial benefits to those in need; foster care allowances; subventions for senior citizens’ associations; and medical assistance. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated information on the economic and social development of Montserrat, including information on the impact of the measures adopted under the Economic Growth Strategy, illustrating that the improvement of standards of living has been regarded as the principal objective in the planning of economic development (Article 6 of the Convention).

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

Part III of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee notes the brief report received in August 2014 which indicates that the Government of Montserrat, working with the social partners, is successfully applying the Convention on the Island and has not encountered any practical difficulties in its application. The Committee invites the Government to provide detailed information on the economic and social development of Montserrat, including updated data illustrating that the improvement of standards of living has been regarded as the principal objective in the planning of economic development (Article 6 of the Convention).

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

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

Repetition

The Committee notes the brief report received in June 2010. It invites the Government to provide in its next report a general appreciation of the manner in which the Convention is applied, together with information on any practical difficulties which may have arisen in applying the Convention (Part V of the report form).

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

The Committee notes the brief report received in June 2010. It invites the Government to provide in its next report a general appreciation of the manner in which the Convention is applied, together with information on any practical difficulties which may have arisen in applying the Convention (Part V of the report form).

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

The Committee notes with interest the Government's indication concerning the amendment of section 16 of the 1979 Employment Ordinance by Act No. 5 of 1996 which seeks to increase the rate of severance pay and confers a retirement benefit in the form of gratuity for employees. It requests the Government to continue to provide information on the application of the Convention in practice, in accordance with point V of the report form.