Demande directe (CEACR) - adoptée 2024, publiée 113ème session CIT (2025)

Convention (n° 122) sur la politique de l'emploi, 1964 - Israël (Ratification: 1970)

Articles 1 to 3 of the Convention. Employment trends and active labour market measures. Consultations with the social partners. The Committee refers to its previous comment inviting the Government to provide updated information on the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to mitigate it, as well as information on the measures and programmes aimed at ensuring the objectives of the Convention. It notes that the Government’s report covers the 2021–22 period and recognizes that circumstances in the country have changed since Israel declared a state of war on 7 October 2023, following the attack by Hamas on Israeli territory (GB.350/POL/4(Rev.1)). The Committee notes the employment measures adopted during the reporting period and notes the Government’s indication that the labour market was at full employment in 2022, with the employment rate for the working age population exceeding pre-pandemic levels. The Government adds that, over the past decade, employment rates for the Arab and Ultra-Orthodox populations have risen, although Arab women’s employment remains low, increasing from 36.7 per cent in 2019 to 41.8 per cent in 2022. While the vacancy rate in 2022 peaked at 5 per cent, it has since declined without a corresponding rise in unemployment. According to ILOSTAT, the labour force participation rate was 65.1 per cent in 2023, with 68.9 per cent for men and 61.4 per cent for women, an increase from 64.7 per cent in 2022. The Committee notes from the 2023 OECD Economic Survey of Israel that employment gains have been strong and have supported progress in living standards in the past. Accelerating the integration of population groups with historically weak labour market attachment, which are projected to reach 50 per cent of the population in 2060, from 30 per cent today, is vital for future growth and fiscal sustainability. The OECD report further states that the key to unlocking the potential for continued high growth rates of the national economy lies in addressing structural challenges in the labour market, including disparities in employment, wages and labour productivity. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the impact of active labour market measures promoting full, productive and freely chosen employment, including those addressing structural challenges in the labour market. It also requests the Government to provide updated statistical information on labour market developments, especially on the rates of the economically active population, employment and unemployment, disaggregated by sex and age. Noting that no information was provided on the application of Article 3 of the Convention, the Committee once again requests that the Government provide detailed information on the manner in which the social partners participate in the design, implementation and evaluation of the employment policies.

Arab, Druze and Circassian populations. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the main barriers to labour market entry for the Arab population are the language gaps, limited job availability, lack of professional skills, networks, infrastructure, such as childcare facilities and transportation, low trust in state institutions, and lack of awareness of labour laws. The Government highlights that one of the key solutions to the employment barriers is the Riyan centres, offering career guidance and counselling services, preparation for the world of work, Hebrew and computer studies, education and training, placement services and long-term employment support. These centres collaborate with local authorities, communities, and employers, addressing employer needs and serving as an employment hub for the Arab community across 20 towns and East Jerusalem, with numerous branches. According to the 2023 OECD Economic Survey of Israel, Arab-Israelis experience the highest gender employment gap, as well as one of the highest gender pay gaps in the OECD. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated detailed information on the impact of the measures taken to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment among the Arab, Druze and Circassian populations. It also requests that the Government provide information on how these measures have helped increase their employment rates, with specific information concerning Arab-Israeli women.

Ultra-Orthodox (Haredim) population. The Government indicates that the Population Employment Administration in the Ministry of Labour operates 12 employment guidance centres nationwide, offering tools for workers on both the supply and demand sides, linking jobseekers directly with potential employers. These centres provide occupational assessments, personal career pathways, education completion, training referrals, and job interview preparation. In 2022, over 19,000 ultra-Orthodox jobseekers engaged with these centres, with nearly 9,000 being placed in employment. The Committee notes the policies to promote the integration of the ultra-Orthodox community in employment, like those directed at their integration in the high-tech industry. It also notes that, according to the 2023 OECD Economic Survey of Israel, employment of Haredi men rose only moderately over the 2010–20 period, and remains significantly below other groups and short of employment targets. Several specific benefits and exemptions for Haredi men discourage and delay their labour force participation. The Committee requests the Government to provide more detailed information on the targeted measures taken to promote employment among the ultra-Orthodox (Haredim) population. It further requests the Government to provide statistical information, disaggregated by sex and age, on the impact of such measures.

Persons with disabilities. The Committee notes that government programmes focusing on individualised guidance for persons with disabilities, encouraging employer hires, and supporting recruitment processes. It notes in this regard that the “Equal Employment” programme offers support for employers, providing case managers and integration plans, while changing workplace attitudes via training. Employees with disabilities benefit from centres in Haifa and Tel Aviv, along with more than 30 coordinators in various locations, offering individual guidance and workshops, fostering employer-employee collaboration. Moreover, the “Accessible Work” website consolidates all employment and training programmes for persons with disabilities, accessible job listings, and an employee database. In 2021, the website recorded approximately 100,000 logins. The Government also assists in funding workplace adaptations in the private sector for employees with disabilities. In addition, the Committee notes from the 2023 concluding observations on the initial report of Israel (CRPD/C/ISR/CO/1) that the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities noted with concern the low rates of employment among persons with disabilities, the fact that a large number of the persons with disabilities in employment work part-time or variable hours, the limited effectiveness of measures to promote the employment of persons with disabilities, stigma and negative attitudes towards persons with disabilities in the workplace and attitudinal and accessibility barriers to the provision of training for employment and career advancement. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to promote employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in the open labour market and on their impact, including on the employment rate. It also requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which the representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations and representatives of persons with disabilities are consulted concerning these employment measures.

Coordination of education and training measures with the employment policy. The Committee takes note that, with regard to education and training, the Government refers to its report on the application of the Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142). The Committee notes the brief information provided by the Government in its report on Convention No. 142, including on specific measures to train workers for the high-tech industry. In view of the above, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide more detailed information on the specific measures taken, in cooperation with the social partners and the representatives of different sectors, to coordinate education and training policies with employment opportunities. It also requests the Government to provide statistical information, disaggregated by sex and age, on the impact of the aforementioned measures on job creation, especially with regard to the different communities in the country.