Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88) - Japan (Ratification: 1953)

Organization and functions of the employment service. The Committee notes with interest the comprehensive information and detailed statistics provided in the Government’s report received in November 2007, including the information provided in response to the Committee’s 2005 observation. The Committee also takes note of the comments provided by the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (JTUC-RENGO) in November 2007, attached to the Government’s report. In particular, the Committee takes note of the comments expressed by JTUC-RENGO concerning a “marketization test” introduced by the Government on the free employment exchange services offered by the Public Employment Security Offices. JTUC-RENGO expresses its concern that the participation of private services may lead to a loss of emphasis by the Public Employment Security Offices on providing support to people who have difficulty in finding work. The Committee hopes that the Government’s next report will provide more information on the implementation of the “marketization test” as referred to by JTUC-RENGO. The Committee would also welcome receiving information on the results of the “marketization test”, and any corresponding implications on the ability of the public employment service to ensure the best possible organization of the employment market as an integral part of the national programme for the achievement and maintenance of full employment and the development and use of productive resources.

Development of employment offices throughout the territory. The Committee takes note of the concerns expressed by JTUC-RENGO over the decreasing number of employment security offices in the light of plans for their merger or closure. JTUC-RENGO also expressed the concern that a reduction in the number of public employment security offices will hamper the accessibility to such services by both workers and employers. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that, as at 1 April 2007, 466 Public Employment Security Offices, 100 branch offices and 18 local offices were in existence throughout the country. The Government reports that between June 2005 and May 2008, 19 locations were reviewed, with one new location being established and 18 either merged or closed down. The Committee requests the Government to also indicate in its next report information on the process by which the organization of the network of employment offices are reviewed, and the extent to which social partners participate in such a review process. The Committee would also welcome receiving information on the steps which are taken to ensure that such offices are sufficient in number to serve each geographical area of the country and are conveniently located both for employers and workers.

[The Government is requested to reply in detail to the present comments, in 2009.]