Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Serbia (Ratification: 2000)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

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The Committee also notes information about various projects that are being implemented in Serbia in collaboration with various development partners to support employment and social inclusion, such as “Technical assistance for capacity building in the field of employment policy” from the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) 2013 program cycle, implemented 2017 – 2020, and “Support of the European Union to the active involvement of young people” from the IPA 2014 program cycle; “Inclusive Markets in the Western Balkans”, supported by the ILO, UNDP and the Austrian Development Agency; “Dialogue on youth employment, initiative and dual education”, supported by GIZ; “Inclusion of Roma and other marginalized groups in Serbia”; the “Migration for development”; “Project for the Improvement of Competitiveness and Employment”, supported by the IBRD and the World Bank; as well as projects implemented within the EU Program for Employment and Social Innovation. The Government also reports about the Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan, with the technical support of the ILO, and Serbia’s adherence to the Declaration of the Western Balkans on the sustainable integration of young people into the labour market.

Persons with disabilities. The Committee notes that the ex-post analysis of the National Employment Strategy for 2011–20 states that the ratio of registered persons with disabilities willing and able to work (13,385) to the total number of unemployed persons (506,865) was 2.6 per cent in 2019. The analysis highlights the achievement of two qualitative goals of the Strategy related to persons with disabilities, such as increased inclusion in active labour market policies (9,620) and increased employment from the National Employment Service (NES) records (6,563). The Committee notes that the analysis refers to the annual report of the Commissioner for Equality, which indicates that more than a quarter of the total number of complaints regarding discrimination relate to persons with disabilities and most concern access to employment, education and professional training, and conditions at workplace. The Committee recalls that employment policies are an essential tool to promote the creation of a more inclusive and equitable labour market, including providing financial incentives to employers who hire persons with disabilities; offering tax breaks to businesses that are owned and operated by persons with disabilities; funding training and education programmes for persons with disabilities; promoting inclusive hiring practices; enforcing laws that prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities in the workplace; providing support services to persons with disabilities to overcome barriers to employment, such as transportation difficulties or childcare needs; or, promoting awareness of the benefits of hiring persons with disabilities to dispel stereotypes and misconceptions about their abilities. Recalling that Serbia is also party to the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (No. 159), the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated detailed information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex and age, on the nature and impact of measures taken to prevent discrimination in the labour market against persons with disabilities and promote decent employment opportunities in the open labour market, including information on the implementation of the National Employment Strategy for 2021–26and with regard to the findings of the Commissioner for Equality.

Women’s employment. The Committee notes that according to the Labour Force Survey of the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia for 2022, the employment rate for women was 43.2 per cent, which is still significantly lower that the employment rate for men (57.9 per cent). The Committee also notes that 79,663 unemployed women participated in active employment policy measures (AEPMs) in 2019. The Committee takes note of the adopted Strategy for Gender Equality 2016–2020 aimed to support women’s employment, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, as well as to develop measures to improve the situation of groups facing discrimination on multiple grounds. Noting the persistence of higher rates of unemployed women in Serbia compared to men, the Committee requests the Government to provide detailed updated information, including disaggregated statistical data, on the nature and impact of measures adopted with a view to promoting the employment of women to enable them to access decent and lasting employment at all levels and across all economic sectors, particularly of women belonging to disadvantaged groups and those facing multiple and intersecting discrimination, including Roma women, women with disabilities, young women and women living in rural areas. The Committee also refers to its 2022 observation on the application of Convention No. 111 and requests the Government to report on the employment measures taken in the context of the Gender Equality Strategy 2021–2030 and their impact on promoting lasting employment of women, including increased access of women to formal employment.

Youth employment. The Committee notes from the 2022 Labour Force Survey of the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia that the population of young people in the age from 15 to 24 decreased to 685,000, which is 9,800 (1.4 per cent) less than in 2021. The employment rate of this group in 2022 totalled 24.7 per cent (24.5 per cent in 2021) and the unemployment rate declined to 24.4 per cent (26.4 per cent in 2021). The rate of young people neither in employment nor in education or training (NEET) in 2022 decreased from 16.6 per cent in 2021 to 13 per cent in 2022. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed information on the nature and impact of incentives and other measures taken or envisaged to promote youth employment and lasting labour market integration of young people, including measures to support school to work transition, as well as information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex and age, economic sector, on trends in employment, unemployment and underemployment for young persons.

The Roma minority. The Committees notes that according to the ex-post analysis of the National Employment Strategy for 2011–2020, registered unemployment of Roma people had a moderate growth trend over past years, increasing from around 22,000 in 2013 to around 26,000 persons at the end of 2019. The number of unemployed Roma as a share of the total number of unemployed persons on NES records almost doubled between 2013 and 2019, which, according to the Government, can partially be attributed to NES activities aimed at the activation and registration of Roma people on NES records. The number of Roma included in AEPMs increased from 1,536 in 2009 to over 6,600 in 2019, reflecting an increase in relative terms from 2 per cent in 2011 to 5 per cent in 2019 of the total number of persons involved in all AEMPs. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed information, including statistical data disaggregated by age and gender, on the nature and impact of the measures taken to address the labour market challenges faced by members of the Roma community with a view to promoting their full, productive, freely chosen and lasting employment.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

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The Committee notes the observations of the Serbian Association of Employers (SAE) and the Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia (CATUS) communicated with the Government’s report, received on 30 September 2022.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Active labour market measures. The Committee notes from the implementation report of the National Employment Action Plan for 2020 that the general objective of the employment policy was to increase employment and included the specific goals of reducing duality in the labour market through improving labour conditions and labour market institutions, encouraging employment and inclusion of less employable persons in the labour market through implementation of Active Employment Policy Measures (AEPMs), supporting for regional and local employment policy, and improving the quality of the workforce and investing in human capital. The Committee notes the AEPMs taken to improve the situation of “hard-to-employ” persons, such as employment fairs, job search clubs, specific trainings and workshops, trainee, educational and work assistance programmes, professional practice, public works, and targeted subsidies. The Committee also notes the Government’s reference to an ex-post analysis of the National Employment Strategy for 2011–20, which stresses that the implementation of the Strategy has been successful overall. The number of registered elderly persons in employment (aged between 50 and 64) more than doubled in 2019 compared to 2011, increasing their participation in the total number of employees from 13 to 20 per cent. According to the analysis, the number of long-term unemployed (job seeking for more than 12 months) reached its peak in 2012 (over half a million) and decreased to 170,000 in 2019. The share of long-term unemployment in total unemployment decreased from 75.4 per cent in 2012 to 50.3 per cent in 2019. The Committee notes that the activity rate of the rural population increased from 60.4 per cent in 2010 to 68.7 per cent in 2019 and their employment rate increased from 49.7 per cent to 62.1 per cent. The analysis indicates that 142,540 unemployed persons and 137,443 “hard-to-employ” persons were covered in all AEPMs in 2019. The relative improvement is primarily attributed to institutional factors and demographic trends, such as the 2014 amendments to the Labour Law about the severance pay, increase in the retirement age, as well as the 2014 amendment to the Law on Pension and Disability Insurance, which introduced penalties for early retirement. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that the Employment Strategy for 2021–26 recognizes as a specific objective that of improving labour market situation of the unemployed women, young persons, persons with disabilities and Roma minority. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed updated information on the nature, scope and impact of the measures taken to promote full, productive and sustainable employment, including those adopted within the framework of the Employment Strategy for 2021–26. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the impact of measures adopted with a view to promoting the employment of elderly persons, persons living in rural areas, combating undeclared work as well as long-term unemployment, to enable them to access decent and lasting employment.

Employment trends. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to the Labour Force Survey of the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, which indicates that the employment rate in 2022 increased by 0.7 per cent compared to 2011 and reached 50.3 per cent (43,2 per cent for women and 57,9 per cent for men) and that the unemployment rate amounted to 9.4 per cent (11 per cent in 2021). The CATUS refers to the elimination as of 1 January 2019 of the employers’ share in unemployment insurance and the introduction of restrictive conditions for qualifying for unemployment benefits, the levels of which are considered inadequate. The CATUS also observes that only 6.4 per cent of the unemployed received unemployment benefits in 2021, mostly below the risk of poverty threshold. The CATUS maintains that 872,600 persons in 2021 regarded themselves as unemployed, whereas only 352,300 were officially categorized as unemployed. Noting that the official unemployment rate declined from 10.6 per cent in the first quarter of 2020 to 7.9 per cent in the second quarter, during the hardest period of the COVID-19 pandemic for the economy, the CATUS questions the accuracy of official data related to unemployment. It also highlights that the official unemployment rate of 10.6 per cent in the first quarter of 2022 does not reflect the labour market situation. The CATUS also emphasizes the problem of low wages and inadequate social protection and calls to urgently take specific measures to overcome it. The Committee also notes SAE’s observations about its initiative to reform the education system according to the needs of the economy towards creating quality jobs, employment for young people and suppressing the grey economy. Stressing that accurate statistical data sets are of paramount importance for informed policymaking, the Committee requests the Government to provide its comments to the observations made by the CATUS and the SAE. The Committee also requests the Government to provide detailed updated information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex, age and economic sector, on employment trends in the country, concerning the size and distribution of the labour force, the nature and extent of employment, unemployment and underemployment. The Committee further requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to promote, develop and deliver quality apprenticeships and draws its attention to the guidance contained in this respect in the Quality Apprenticeships Recommendation, 2023 (No. 208), which calls, among others, to incorporate and promote quality apprenticeships within relevant education, vocational training, lifelong learning and employment policies, as well as establish a regulatory framework for quality apprenticeships.

The informal economy. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to the reform of seasonal employment in agriculture and the adoption of the Law on simplified employment in seasonal jobs in certain sectors and industries. The Government states that the law entered into force on 7 January 2019 with 75,687 employed persons (37,253 women and 38,434 men) registered through the portal of seasonal workers by 632 employers in 198 municipalities. The Committee further notes that according to the Labour Force Survey of the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, informal employment rate for 2022 was 13.6 per cent (12.8 per cent for women and 14.6 per cent for men), which marked an increase by 21,300 persons compared with previous year, predominantly of unpaid family workers (20,500). The Survey states that the number of informally employed persons in the agriculture (225,500) is larger than the number of the formally employed (205,200). The Committee also notes about 93,500 persons employed informally in services sector and that the formality–informality ratio in construction sector amounts to 47 per cent. The Government is requested to continue to provide information on the measures taken to promote the formalization of the informal economy, taking into account the Transition from the Informal to the Formal Economy Recommendation, 2015 (No. 204). The Committee requests in particular the Government to provide detailed updated information on the impact of the reform of seasonal employment in agriculture with regard to facilitating transition to formal employment as well as on measures taken or envisaged to integrate informal economy workers into the formal labour market, particularly young workers, older workers and women, including in services and construction sectors and in the category of “hard-to-employ” persons.

Article 3. Consultations with the social partners. The Committee notes the Government’s indication about the annual national action plan and reference report prepared by the tripartite Working Group consisting of representatives of various authorities and ministries, as well as National Employment Service (NES), Union of Employers of Serbia, TUC “Nezavisnost” and CATUS. The Government also refers to two meetings of the Working Group, in the preparation of the National Employment Action Plan for 2018, held in April 2018, four regional meetings in May-July 2017, four in January–February 2018, two in October–November 2018, all open for social partners, one of which in February 2018 was attended by “Nezavisnost” representative, as well as to the meetings of the Working Group for drafting of the 2019 National Employment Action Plan in October–November 2018, attended by representatives of “Nezavisnost” and CATUS. The Government also reports about meetings of the Working Group for the Drafting of the Employment Strategy for the period 2021–26 and the Action Plan for 2021–23 as well as involvement of social partners in formulating the recommendations for the preparation of the ex-ante analysis of the Employment Strategy for 2021–26. In this regard, the Government refers to discussions held within the Social and Economic Council (SEC) and the Republican Employment Council in February 2021. The Committee also notes that, in response to its previous comment on the lack of records of membership and the level of participation of social partners in local employment councils (LECs), the Government indicates that the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs possesses data on LECs members on all local self-government units that submit a request for participation in the co-financing programme of local employment action plans.

The Committee notes from the ex-post analysis of the National Employment Strategy for 2011–20 that social dialogue is not sufficiently developed and refers to the European Commission’s annual reports on Serbia highlighting the need to remove obstacles to social dialogue and strengthen it by enhancing social partners’ capacities, adjusting the legal framework and increasing SEC’s administrative budget. The Committee also notes the conclusions of the Focus Group on cooperation with social partners, which state that despite the legal requirement to cooperate with social partners, including through working groups on public policies, amendments and adoption of laws, employers and workers’ representatives are not satisfied with their influence on the process highlighting that cooperation is only formal without a considerable effect on revision of ministerial proposals. The conclusions recommend to further improve cooperation with social partners, encourage them to take a more active role in the preparation of public policies and give due consideration to their proposals. Recalling the importance of the meaningful, effective and constructive dialogue with representatives of employers and workers, in relation to decision-making on the development and implementation of active employment policies, the Committee requests the Government to provide concrete examples of the manner in which their experience and views have been fully taken into account so as to secure their full cooperation in formulating and enlisting support for such policies. The Committee also requests the Government to indicate the nature and scope of consultations held with representatives of the persons affected by the measures taken, such as women, young people, persons with disabilities, informal economy workers, the Roma population and other concerned groups, as required under Article 3 of the Convention.

The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

The Committee notes the Government’s report, as well as the observations made by the Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia (CATUS) and the Labour Union Confederation “Nezavisnost”, received on 7 November 2018. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments in this respect.

Employment trends. The Government indicates that the national employment policy focuses on groups in vulnerable situations who experience difficulties in finding employment and which have been identified as “hard-to-employ”. It reports that the Serbian economy has moved rapidly from an economy characterized by stagnant growth and high unemployment rates to a growing economy with low inflation rates, declining public debt and labour market recovery. The Committee notes that, according to ILOSTAT data, the overall unemployment rate fell from 15.3 per cent in 2016 (14.6 per cent for men compared to 16.1 per cent for women) to 12.7 per cent in 2018 (12 per cent for men and 13.7 for women). The Government indicates that, during the first quarter of 2018, long-term unemployed persons made up some 60 per cent of the unemployed. Nezavisnost observes that the Government’s report does not include data on either income or poverty, considering that the Government is focusing on the quantity, not the quality of employment. The CATUS maintains that the credibility of the official data on unemployment and employment rates in Serbia is doubtful, given that these rates do not agree with the relevant macroeconomic and fiscal trends (such as GDP and productivity). It maintains that, although employment rates are on the increase, the quality of employment in Serbia is declining. Moreover, the CATUS points out that educated Serbians are emigrating abroad, given that acquiring a higher education is not sufficient to secure employment. The CATUS attributes a large proportion of the decline in the unemployment rate to the demographic emptying of Serbia, in which the country is losing its educated young people as well as its experienced older workers. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated, detailed information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex and age, concerning the size and distribution of the labour force, and employment trends in relation to employment, unemployment, and visible underemployment, as well as on the size of the informal economy.

The informal economy. The Committee notes that, according to the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, in the first quarter of 2018, the rate of informal employment was 18.6 per cent, with almost two-thirds (62.7 per cent) of informal employment located in the agricultural sector. The CATUS observes that there are 628,400 informally employed people in Serbia, and that another 207,000 are registered as being in formal employment, but in fact lack health and pension insurance. The CATUS also observes that categories of workers who are on the margins of the labour market, such as older workers, workers in rural areas and those in agriculture are not provided with incentives to facilitate their transition from informal to formal employment. Moreover, many young people are employed informally and without employment contracts. In this context, the CATUS stresses that employees working in precarious conditions also run a greater risk of abuse at the workplace. Referring once again to the principles set out in the Transition from the Informal to the Formal Economy Recommendation, 2015 (No. 204), the Committee requests the Government to provide information on measures taken or envisaged to facilitate the transition of workers from the relation to the agricultural sector and to workers in the category of “hard-to-employ” persons, who are generally concentrated in informal employment.

Persons with disabilities. The Committee notes that the Law on Professional Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities provides for equality of opportunity and treatment of persons with disabilities in the labour market. The Government indicates that, in April 2018, 22,389 persons with disabilities were registered with the National Employment Service (NES). The Committee notes that most unemployed persons with disabilities (79.9 per cent) have been unemployed for 12 months or longer and constitute long-term unemployed persons. The Committee notes that the percentage of persons with disabilities who are registered as unemployed and are either unqualified or have low qualifications is larger by 5.8 per cent compared to the total number of registered unemployed persons. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated detailed information, including disaggregated statistical data, on the nature and impact of labour market measures taken to promote the employment of persons with disabilities on the open labour market.

Women’s employment. The Committee notes that, in the first quarter of 2018, the employment rate for women was 37.9 per cent, which was significantly lower than the employment rate for men (52.7 per cent). The Government indicates that it encourages the participation of women in active employment policy measures (AEPMS) and their use of subsidies available for self-employment. In 2017, among the different categories of “hard-to-employ” persons, 27,432 unemployed women up to the age of 30 participated in AEPMs. This figure included: 12,433 women over the age of 50; 7,032 women who were also redundant workers; 3,592 women with disabilities; and 2,252 women belonging to the Roma community. In this respect, the Committee recalls the 2003 ILO Global Report “Time for Equality at Work”, which highlights the issue of multiple grounds of discrimination, pointing out that that women who also belong to disadvantaged groups frequently face double discrimination. Noting that women have persistently higher rates of unemployment in Serbia compared to men, the Committee requests the Government to communicate information concerning the nature and scope of measures adopted or envisaged to promote the employment of women, particularly women belonging to disadvantaged groups, to enable them to access decent and lasting employment at all levels and across all economic sectors. It further requests the Government to provide detailed information, including disaggregated data, on the impact of such measures.

Youth Employment. The Committee notes that, in the first quarter of 2018, the employment rate of young people was 18.5 per cent, whereas the youth unemployment rate was 34.6 per cent (2.5 per cent higher than in 2017). The Government indicates that the National Employment Action Plan for 2018 (NEAP 2018) places young persons in the hard-to-employ category and prioritizes their inclusion in AEPMs. The Committee notes that the Government has carried out a series of activities to promote youth employment, focusing on: career management and counselling services; active job-seeking measures and additional education and training system; subsidised employment programmes for “hard-to-employ” categories of youth; and promoting an entrepreneurial spirit among youth through self-employment programmes. As of the end of May 2018, youth up to the age of 30 made up 21.33 per cent of the total number of registered unemployed. In addition, the Committee notes that, in the first three months of 2018, 11,683 young persons (5,901 women and 5,782 men) participated in AEMPs. Noting the high levels of youth unemployment, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed information on the nature and impact of measures adopted to promote and support employment opportunities for young persons, as well as information on how such measures contribute to promoting lasting employment for young persons. The Committee also requests the Government to continue to provide statistical information on trends in youth employment, disaggregated by sex and age.

The Roma minority. The Committee notes that, as of 31 May 2018, 27,108 members of the Roma community were registered with the NES, making up 4.56 per cent of the total number of registered unemployed persons. The Government indicates that 89.33 per cent of all registered unemployed Roma are persons with no qualifications or low qualifications, of which 69.34 per cent are long-term unemployed persons. The Committee notes that one of the priorities of the NEAP 2018 and the Employment and Social Reform Programme is to increase access to the labour market for members of the Roma community. It also takes note of the Strategy for the Social Inclusion of Roma Men and Women in the Republic of Serbia 2016–25. In this context, the Government reports on a series of activities focused on improving the employment of the Roma though providing them with active job-seeking techniques, improving the educational structure and providing new knowledge, skills and competencies needed in the labour market. In 2017, 4,150 Roma, registered with NES were employed and, in the first three months of 2018, 988 unemployed members of the Roma national minority were involved in AEPMs. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed updated information on the nature and impact of activities undertaken with a view to promoting full, productive and freely chosen employment for members of the Roma community, including through the 2018 National Employment Action Plan.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

The Committee notes the Government’s report, as well as the observations made by the Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia (CATUS) and the Labour Union Confederation “Nezavisnost”, received on 7 November 2018. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments in this respect.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Active labour market measures. The Government reports that the National Employment Strategy 2011–2020 sets out the main strategic objectives of its employment policy, which relate to the achievement of an efficient, stable and sustainable employment growth trend by 2020 and alignment of the national employment policy and labour market institutions with European Union requirements. It adds that the objectives to be attained include: promoting employment in less developed regions of the country and developing regional and local employment policies; improving the quality of the work force; developing the capacities of the relevant institutions, expanding active employment policy programmes and reducing duality in the labour market. In this context, the Government reports that the Active Employment Policy Measures (AEPMs) taken under the National Employment Action Plan for 2018 (NEAP 2018) are based on the situation and trends in the labour market, the needs of employers and the results of impact evaluations carried out with respect to previous measures taken. The Government indicates that the national employment policy focuses on groups in vulnerable situations who experience difficulties in finding employment, and which have been identified as “hard-to-employ” persons. The CATUS observes that persons belonging to these groups make up 70 per cent of those registered with the National Employment Service (NES), indicating that this implies an issue with labour demand. The Committee also notes the adoption of the Economic Reform Programme 2018–2020, which aims, inter alia, to enhance the effectiveness of AEPMs, focusing on young persons, redundant workers and the long-term unemployed. In addition, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning the Employment and Social Reform Programme, which seeks to increase the employment rate and improve the status of young persons in the labour market. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated detailed information on the impact of the policies and measures implemented to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. In particular, the Committee requests information on the nature and impact of the activities carried out under the 2018 National Employment Action Plan. It also requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures taken, including under the Economic Reform Programme 2018–2020, in tackling long-term and youth unemployment and promoting the employment of “hard-to-employ” persons.

Article 3. Consultations with the social partners. Nezavisnost observes that, until 2017, constructive dialogue took place in the form of regular meetings of the Working Group for the development of the National Employment Action Plan. However, Nezavisnost indicates that, since that time, there has been a noticeable reduction in the quality and scope of tripartite dialogue, given that the social partners now participate in meetings only when they are requested to provide comments on documents that are already prepared. Moreover, Nezavisnost considers that the deadlines set for providing comments are insufficient to enable initiation of genuine dialogue. Nezavisnost reports that the last meeting of the Working Group for the development of the NEAP was held in October 2017, and that no meetings were held in 2018. In response to the Committee’s previous request, the Government reports that the local employment councils play a key role in supporting employment in less developed areas and that the employment action plans constitute key instruments of local employment policy. The Committee notes that, in 2017, the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs (MOLEVSA) and the National Employment Service (NES) held four regional meetings on the “Role of local government units in accomplishing employment policy objectives”. These meetings were attended by 166 representatives of 70 local government units, the NES and its branches, MOLEVSA, other institutions, the social partners, donors and experts. The meetings resulted in joint conclusions, in the form of guidelines for the development of employment policies on the basis of local trade market needs. The Government also reports that, in order to promote the AEPMs to be implemented in 2018, four regional meetings were organized in cooperation with the Standing Conference of Cities and Municipalities, bringing together 134 representatives from NES branch offices and local government units. Nezavisnost observes that the local employment councils lack records concerning their membership, as well as of the level of participation of the social partners. The Committee requests the Government to provide more detailed information on the manner in which the experience and views of the social partners have been taken into account in the formulation and implementation of employment policy measures, and the outcome of this process. The Committee also requests the Government to indicate the nature and scope of consultations held with representatives of the persons affected by the measures taken, such as women, young people, persons with disabilities, the Roma population and other concerned groups, in relation to the formulation and implementation of active employment policies and programmes, as required under Article 3 of the Convention.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. Participation of the social partners. The Government indicates in its report that the Law on Employment and Unemployment Insurance was amended to develop public works as an active employment policy tool to include a greater number of unemployed persons in public works. It adds that the National Employment Service (NES), together with other stakeholders, is implementing projects for capacity building, such as the twinning project “Preparation of labour market institutions of the Republic of Serbia for the European Employment Strategy”, which forms part of the 2011 programme cycle of the EU Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (EU IPA). While the NES, partly supported through EU IPA projects, is tasked with monitoring and evaluating the measures implemented, it has also concluded 53 agreements on technical cooperation with local governments to implement local employment action plans. The Government adds that its 2015 National Employment Action Plan (NEAP) focuses on employment, vocational guidance and career planning advice for jobseekers, subsidies for employers to hire unemployed persons from the most vulnerable groups, public works, support for self-employment, further education and training as well as the integration of beneficiaries of social assistance into the labour market. The Committee notes from the report that 2,291,525 persons of working age (15–64) were in employment in 2014, an increase of 93,325 people compared to 2013 figures. In 2014, unemployment affected 562,163 persons of working age, which is 92,882 people less than in 2013. Increasing by 0.2 percentage points as compared to 2013, the general activity rate of the working age population stood at 61.8 per cent in 2014. With regard to employment in the informal economy, the Government indicates that comparison of data from 2013 and 2014 shows that the rate of informal employment increased from 19.3 to 22 per cent. According to available data for the first quarter of 2015, the rate of informal employment was measured at 19.4 per cent. In reply to previous observations of workers’ organizations on the need to strengthen social dialogue, the Government indicates that measures were under way which are aimed at the establishment and support of local employment councils consisting of representatives of local governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of employment policies implemented to promote productive employment. Referring to the Transition from the Informal to the Formal Economy Recommendation, 2015 (No. 204), the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the extent of employment in the informal economy and on the measures taken in line with its national employment policy to facilitate the transition to the formal economy. Please also provide information on the participation of the social partners, including local employment councils, in the formulation, adoption and implementation of the employment policy.

Women. The Government indicates that differences in employment rates for women and men persist. The employment rate of women, 42.9 per cent in 2014, is still significantly lower than the employment rate of men with 56.5 per cent. The unemployment rate of women, while declining between 2013 and 2014 from 24.7 to 20.4 per cent, was 1.2 percentage points higher than that of men (19.2 per cent). Long-term unemployment among women is also higher with 13.5 per cent in 2014, compared to 12.2 per cent for men. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to encourage and support labour market participation and social inclusion of women.

Young persons. The Committee notes that the unemployment rate of young persons in the 15–24 age group was measured at 47.1 per cent in 2014. Although decreasing by 2.3 percentage points when compared to 2013, it remains well above the overall unemployment rate for the population as a whole (19.7 per cent in 2014). Young persons’ employment rate increased from 14.5 per cent in 2013 to 14.8 per cent in 2014. During the same period, the activity rate of young persons decreased from 28.7 to 27.9 per cent. Moreover, according to the Statistical Office of Serbia, 20 per cent of young persons were neither in employment nor in education or training. As part of the implementation of employment measures for young persons in 2014, 174,454 young persons (15–30 years old) were registered as unemployed, out of which 125,412 young people were assessed to be eligible for employability projects. In this regard, 123,821 individual employment plans were developed. The 2015 NEAP aims at increasing the number of young persons in labour market training and employment and self-employment programmes. The promotion of entrepreneurship among young persons as well as mentoring programmes for young entrepreneurs were also included within the services of the 2015 NEAP. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the impact of the measures taken to encourage and support youth employment.

Roma population. The Committee notes that 22,804 members of the Roma minority were unemployed on 31 May 2015. On 31 December 2014, a total of 21,791 persons were unemployed, of which 10,053 were women and 14,669 were long-term unemployed people. In its National Employment Strategy for the period 2011–20 and in the NEAP, the Government has identified the need to improve the employability and the position of particularly vulnerable groups in the labour market, including the Roma population. Building on measures to encourage the employment of the Roma population implemented since 2010, the 2015 NEAP has again determined the members of the Roma minority as the group of unemployed people who need support in the process of work and social activation, integration or re-integration into the labour market. Specialized measures include subsidies for employment as well as additional education and training. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures taken, including through the 2015 National Employment Action Plan, in order to increase labour market participation of the Roma population.

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

Formulation and implementation of an active employment policy. Participation of the social partners. The Committee notes the Government’s comprehensive report for the period ending in August 2012 and notes the observations of the Trade Union Confederation “Nezavisnost” and the Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia (CATUS). The Government indicates that since the global economic crisis in 2008, unemployment figures have been rising. The Committee observes that the unemployment rate increased from 20 per cent in October 2010 to 24.4 per cent in November 2011. In October 2012, unemployment was measured at 22.4 per cent. The Government indicates that the main objectives of the National Employment Strategy 2011–20 are to increase employment, improve labour market institutions, and reduce duality in the labour market. The specific objectives for 2012, as defined in the National Employment Action Plan, were to promote employment and job creation, improve the quality of the workforce and better match supply and demand on the labour market. Nezavisnost indicates that the Government’s report should have included a more critical position of the adopted measures and programmes and should have included an objective assessment of the formulation, adoption and implementation of the employment policy. It further indicates that meetings of a significant number of local employment councils were not convened following their initial constitutional meeting or once the action plan was adopted. Moreover, the CATUS mentions that, despite the activities undertaken by the state bodies in which representatives from the social partners were involved, social dialogue is lacking at the local level. The CATUS also adds that the Government must devise new measures and amend legislation to accelerate development of social dialogue at all levels in order to maintain existing jobs as increased unemployment will unavoidably result in social conflicts. The Committee therefore invites the Government to provide in its next report information on the issues raised by the workers’ organizations and on the consultations held with the social partners, both at the national and local level, in the development of an active employment policy as required by Article 3 of the Convention. The Committee also invites the Government to provide information on the impact of employment policies implemented to promote decent and productive jobs.

Monitoring and evaluating employment policy. The Government reports that a study was undertaken on the implementation of the Poverty Reduction Strategy and on the impact of public policies from 2003 to 2007 in order to determine the effectiveness of measures, including active labour market policies. One conclusion of this study points to the fact that employment policy needs to be given an important position and be fully integrated in the strategy and policy of general economic development. In reply to the previous comments, the Government makes reference to the methods of coordination between government ministries and the social partners to review and assess employment policy measures. The Government indicates that the Employment Sector of the Ministry of Economy and Regional Development is responsible to collect the information obtained through the monitoring system and provided by other ministries, local authorities, the social partners and other stakeholders. Furthermore, the National Employment Service submits quarterly reports and annual reports on the implementation of employment programmes and measures included in the National Action Plan for Employment. The Committee notes that there will be a two phase evaluation process of the National Employment Strategy 2011–20: a control assessment will take place five years after its implementation; and a final assessment will provide the overall evaluation of the Strategy once its full implementation is complete. The Committee also refers to its comments on the Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142), and invites the Government to include in its next report on the Convention information on the methods of coordination envisaged between the economic and social ministries and the social partners, to review and assess the results of employment policy (Article 2 of the Convention).

Employment policy measures within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. The Committee notes that programmes and measures implemented by the National Employment Service include job search training, education and training, self-employment and employment, and public works. The Committee observes that 127,966 unemployed persons (which represented 17 per cent of the average number of registered unemployed persons in 2011) participated in these programmes and measures in 2011. The National Employment Service also provided training to over 600 counsellors on the collection and analysis of labour market data. The Committee further notes that Nezavisnost points to the need to adopt strategic, legislative and other solutions that are conducive to the achievement of economic development priorities and that ensure coherent labour market policies in coordination with all competent institutions. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report information on the effectiveness of active labour market measures implemented by the National Employment Service.

Youth employment. The Committee notes that youth unemployment reached a staggering rate of 51.9 per cent in November 2011. It also notes that a Youth Employment Fund (YEF) was established in 2009 within the National Employment Service. Measures offered within the YEF framework often entail a combination of training and subsidized employment. The Government indicates that the National Employment Strategy for 2011–20 provides active measures to promote youth employment. It further reports that a particular challenge observed with respect to youth unemployment consists of young school leavers and those with low skill levels. The Government indicates that additional education, such as training courses aimed at modernizing and improving the level of knowledge and qualifications, should be further developed. The Committee refers to its comments on Convention No. 142 and requests the Government to provide in its next report on the Convention information on the impact of the various programmes and measures taken to address the issue of youth unemployment, including the school-to-work transition.

Roma population and other vulnerable groups. The Government indicates that the promotion of employment of the Roma population was among its employment policy priorities for a fourth consecutive year since 2009. It adds that an increase in the number of Roma people registered as unemployed over the years points to a positive change of attitude towards this vulnerable group in the labour market. The Committee notes the information on the number of unemployed members of the Roma population registered with the National Employment Service: 15,867 persons registered on 31 December 2010 (women accounting for 7,637), and 19,398 persons registered on 31 December 2011 (women accounting for 9,180). In 2011, the National Employment Service directed 2,760 unemployed members of the Roma population to prospective employers and 1,935 of them obtained employment. The Committee notes that other employment measures described in the Government’s report and directed at the Roma population in 2011 include education, training and self employment programmes. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to encourage and support labour market participation and social inclusion of the Roma population and other vulnerable groups.

Part V of the report form. ILO technical assistance. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report concerning technical assistance received from the ILO on matters such as labour statistics, labour force surveys, and the promotion of youth employment. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken as a result of technical assistance received from the ILO with a view to ensuring the implementation of an active employment policy within the meaning of the Convention.

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

Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. Participation of the social partners. The Committee notes the Government’s detailed report received in November 2010, which includes a comprehensive analysis of the country’s labour market and a description of the implemented measures. The Government reports that the employment policy and decentralization process continued in 2009 and activities were directed at local employment councils in order to strengthen their capacities in the area of elaboration and implementation of local employment measures. In this regard, training activities were held for members of local employment councils which focused on: the European employment policy; the national employment policy and the importance of employment policy decentralization; regional and local employment policy development; the creation of local employment action plans; and the financing of active employment policy measures. The Government further indicates that the Law on Employment and Unemployment Insurance, which took effect on 23 May 2009, provides an adequate, all-inclusive and flexible legal framework for elaboration and implementation of an active employment policy. The obligation to conclude individual employment plans, the system for tracking and assessing the active employment policy, as well as forecasting the future needs of employers have been introduced. Arrangement and positioning of the National Employment Service and other employment agencies have been specially regulated, while the promotional mechanisms have provided for greater decentralization in the implementation of active employment policy measures. As for the participation of employers’ and workers’ organizations, the Government indicates that representatives of the social partners have been included in the elaboration of strategic and operative components of the employment policy with regard to defining objectives, priorities and determining measures for employment promotion at the national, regional and local levels. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information on the impact of the implementation of employment policy measures at the local level, as well as the involvement of the social partners in policy development and implementation and in the local employment councils. The Committee also requests the Government to provide specific details on the consultations held on the matters covered by the Convention with the representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations, both at the national and local level, with regard to the implementation and review of an active employment policy.

Employment policy measures taken in response to the global economic crisis. The Government reports that objectives concerning the employment rates defined in the National Employment Strategy 2005–10 were not attained due to the global economic crisis. The Government indicates that macroeconomic data indicate gradual recovery and stabilization, which has also been confirmed by the positive grade carried out by the IMF under the programme supported by a standby arrangement. Interventions implemented by the Government and the National Bank of Serbia to mitigate the negative consequences of the global economic crisis contributed to the attainment of key objectives of the 2009 economic policy. The Government reports that more balanced growth in Serbia will depend on global trends but primarily on structural reforms. The Committee notes that the employment rate declined from 50 per cent in October 2009 to 47.2 per cent in April 2010 and, during the same period, the employment rate of women declined from 42.7 to 40.3 per cent. Unemployment increased during the reporting period with 16.4 per cent in April 2009, 17.4 per cent in October 2009, and 20.1 per cent in April 2010. The unemployment rate of women reached 20.9 per cent in April 2010 compared to 19.4 per cent for men. The number of unemployed persons increased from 517,000 in October 2009 to 572,000 in April 2010. The Government indicates that the active employment policy measures implemented through the National Employment Service include: mediation for persons looking for employment; professional orientation and career-planning counselling; employment subsidies for employers; self-employment support; additional education and training; incitements for financial compensation beneficiaries; and public works. The total number of unemployed persons who participated in the different employment policy measures in 2009 was 135,784 persons, with 42 per cent of this total amount securing employment. While stressing the importance of mitigating job losses in the process towards a new economic growth model, the Committee invites the Government to include in its next report information on the impact of interventions implemented by the National Employment Service. The Committee also invites the Government to provide an evaluation on progress made in terms of policy coherence and policy integration in order to achieve sustainable and productive employment growth.

Monitoring and evaluating employment policy measures. The Government indicates that the Statistical Office carries labour force surveys in April and in October. The opportunity to carry out the labour surveys four times per year is being examined. The Government also indicates that the National Employment Service’s information system has been improved so that changes in the labour market can be continuously reported on. Since the new information system has been introduced in all National Employment Service local offices and the central reporting database has been organized, data presentation will now be of a considerably better quality. The Committee refers to the 2010 General Survey concerning employment instruments and recalls that “[p]rocedures to review and assess the results of employment policy measures are of crucial importance” and such procedures “serve as a helpful means for governments and the social partners to assess the extent to which proposed measures have been implemented and the desired results have been achieved” (paragraph 66). In this regard, the Committee requests the Government to include information in its next report on the methods of coordination envisaged between the economic and social ministries and the social partners, to review and assess the results of employment policy measures.

Youth employment. The Government indicates that the promotion of employment of persons up to 30 years of age is a great challenge since the unemployment rate of young persons in Serbia is one of the highest in Europe. The Committee notes that the unemployment rate of persons in the 15–24 age group increased from 40.7 per cent in April 2009, to 42.5 per cent in October 2009, and 46.4 per cent in April 2010. The number of young persons deciding to continue with their education increased by 31.9 per cent in April 2010 when compared to October 2009 figures, due to the lack of employment opportunities caused by the period of economic crisis. The Committee notes that the ILO Project on Youth Employment Promotion in Serbia, realized with the technical support of the ILO and funding from the Government of Italy, has been assisting, since February 2008, an inter-ministerial working group of experts in the development of the youth employment policy and a National Action Plan on youth employment. The Committee also notes the joint project entitled Support National Efforts for the Promotion of Youth Employment and Management of Migration implemented by the IOM, ILO, UNDP and UNICEF. The project, which started in May 2009 and will last in 2012, has been financed by the Spanish Millennium Development Goals Achievement Fund. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the results of the measures taken to increase the access of young people to sustainable employment.

Roma population and other minorities. The Government indicates that the promotion of employment of the Roma population was one of its employment policy priorities in 2009 and 2010. The Committee notes that a working group dealing with the promotion of employment of Roma people was appointed by the decision of the Ministry of Economy and Regional Development. The information system of the National Employment Service was also improved to better track the effects of the active measures intended for Roma people. On 31 December 2009, 13,416 persons of Roma nationality were registered within the National Employment Service, 6,571 of which were women. In 2010, special public invitations were announced for self-employment of Roma people as well as for employment with subsidies for employers. Activities were directed towards raising awareness and encouraging employers to employ Roma people and towards the improvement of the capacities of local authorities and employment councils with regard to the creation of active employment policy measures intended for Roma people. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the employment situation of the Roma population and other minorities as well as measures taken to improve their participation in the labour market.

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

The Committee notes the Government’s report received in October 2007 which includes comments by the Union of Employers of Serbia and the Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia, as well as of the trade union federation Nezavisnost. The Committee also benefited from the technical analysis from the ILO Subregional Office in Budapest, which supplemented the information provided by the Government’s report and the comments by the social partners.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Labour market policy measures. In the period under review, despite high rates of economic growth recorded (5.7 and 7.5 per cent in 2006 and 2007, respectively), employment rates declined (from 51 per cent in 2005 to less than 49.9 per cent in 2006) while the unemployment rate remained stable (21.8 per cent in 2005 and 21.6 per cent in 2006). Following the goals of the European Union Lisbon Strategy, a National Employment Action Plan for 2006–08 (NAPE) and a National Sustainable Development Strategy 2008–13 were adopted. The NAPE encompasses five priorities: (i) decreasing unemployment and increasing competitiveness in the labour market; (ii) broadening the scope and types of active employment measures; (iii) developing employment assistance packages for redundant workers; (iv) promoting social dialogue on employment; and (v) the decentralization and modernization of the work of the National Employment Service. The Government indicates in its report that, out of a total of 357,067 unemployed persons covered by active employment measures, there were 184,939 women, 91,553 workers under 25 years of age and 33,333 workers older than 55. Other available data reflect that the targets of the NAPE have been difficult to achieve and accordingly it was decided to review the existing regulations of the labour market with the participation of the social partners and the assistance of the ILO. The Government also indicates in its report that studies have been carried out concerning the position of women and youth in the labour market. In 2007, the Government took a decision on the need for urgent creation of a Youth Strategy, aimed at solving the problem of young unemployment. In this respect, the Committee requests the Government to provide further information in its next report on the results of the initiatives taken under the NAPE and by the National Employment Service, and how they will translate into productive and lasting employment opportunities for the unemployed, the long-term unemployed and other categories of vulnerable workers such as young workers.

2. The Government reports that it is exploring means to reform the fiscal system through the reduction of the overall burden of taxes and contributions through the introduction of new tax reductions and the development of new forms of credit lines and micro loans, especially in less developed regions and areas with a high rate of unemployment. The Government indicates that this will have a direct influence on increasing employment. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on steps that are taken to ensure that employment policy considerations are placed at the heart of macroeconomic and social policies and to provide information on the effect its tax reforms have had in achieving employment promotion.

3. Article 2. In reply to previous comments, the Government indicates that monitoring and evaluation of active measures is being done on a regular basis in accordance with the technical possibilities of the National Employment Service. The Government also recognizes some difficulties in monitoring the effect of the measures implemented due to the lack of a modern information system. It is expected that the modernization of the information system by the end of 2007 will enable efficient follow-up and evaluation of the measures implemented. The Committee stresses the need to evaluate the impact, targeting and cost-effectiveness of active labour market programmes in order to ensure that the measures taken to promote full employment operate “within the framework of a coordinated social policy”. In this regard, the Government is also requested to include information in its next report on the methods of coordination envisaged between the economic and social ministries, for the achievement of the employment policy objectives.

4. Article 1, paragraph 2(c). Employment of the Roma population and other minorities. The Committee notes the reply provided by the Government to its previous request on the results achieved to generate employment amongst the Roma population, in the sense that it intends to promote employment by applying the principle of positive discrimination according to ethnicity. Over 270 individuals participated in contests for self-employment and 250 unemployed Romas were included in the programme of functional education. Meetings were organized with representatives of the Secretariat for Implementation of the National Roma Strategy and representatives of non-governmental organizations active in issues regarding the Roma population. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report further information on the measures taken to ensure the participation of the Roma population, as well as of the other minorities in the country, in the labour market.

 

5. Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Union of Employers of Serbia indicates that, despite many changes in laws and regulations for creating a more favourable climate for flexible employment, there are still certain formal problems which put employers in as unfavourable position during the recruitment of workers through certain employment programmes. The employers’ organization further evokes difficulties linked to tax burdens when hiring workers on a short-term basis. The Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia recognizes that there was a constructive dialogue on issues related to active employment policy and the measures adopted in the framework of the NAPE. Nevertheless, the results have not been visible in practice, especially due to considerable lay-offs following the privatization process. The union requests more social dialogue, in cooperation with the European Union and the ILO, to address this problem in Serbia and in neighbouring countries dealing with the challenges of transition. The trade union federation Nezavisnost stressed that the social partners have given top priority to the issues related to unemployment. Nevertheless, the federation lists several proposals to be discussed in the framework of the National Socio-Economic Council and at local level. The Committee welcomes the contributions of the social partners to the design and implementation of an active employment policy. It reiterates its hope that the next report will include more concrete examples of how the social partners have entered into meaningful constructive dialogue in relation to decision-making on employment policies. It further requests information on the measures adopted to implement an active employment policy, with the participation of the social partners, as a result of the technical assistance provided by the ILO and the European Union.

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

1. Labour market policy measures. The Committee notes the Government’s reports received for the period ending July 2005. It notes that a National Employment Strategy was adopted in April 2005, which highlights the need for a regional approach to labour market challenges in the three regions of the country (Belgrade, Vojvodina and Central Serbia) and an increase in foreign direct investment as prerequisites for economic growth and the achievement of a social agreement through continuous social dialogue. According to the labour force survey data, Serbia has a significantly low rate of participation (27 per cent) in the youngest population category (15-24 years of age) compared with the participation rate of that age group (around 50 per cent) in the European Union. The participation rate (55 per cent) of the oldest category of the active population (55-64 years old) significantly exceeds the participation rate of older workers for other countries in transition in the EU (around 30-40 per cent). In October 2004, only 41.7 per cent of employed persons were women. The unemployment rate rose to 18.5 per cent in 2004, as the labour force survey was conducted in accordance with the EUROSTAT methodology. The Committee notes that, through the National Employment Strategy and the legislative changes introduced, the Government intends to address the employment challenges facing Serbia. It would appreciate receiving further information in the Government’s next report on the impact on employment generation of the implementation of the National Employment Strategy (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention). It also asks the Government to report on the impact of the active labour market measures adopted in promoting employment for young persons and women.

2. In this respect, the Committee refers to its 2006 comments on the application of other Conventions relating to the operation of the public employment service, the measures taken to protect workers against unjustified dismissal and to integrate workers with disabilities into the open labour market (Conventions Nos. 88, 158 and 159) and asks the Government to include in its next report on the application of Convention No. 122 an assessment of how the legislative measures adopted to promote flexible forms of employment, as well as those to generate employment for vulnerable groups of workers, have contributed to the generation of productive and lasting employment in conditions that are socially adequate for all those concerned and, in particular, for those workers who are underemployed or in the informal economy.

3. The Committee notes that a biannual national employment plan has been formulated and is expected to be adopted by the end of 2005. The Government intends to evaluate its implementation regularly so that it can assess how to overcome any problems encountered in achieving its goals. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on how the measures taken to promote full employment operate within the “framework of a coordinated social policy” (Article 2).

4. The Government indicates in its report that the Roma population in Serbia represents a social group characterized by an extremely low level of activity and a high unemployment rate: only 27.2 per cent of the Roma population is active and the unemployment rate is four times greater than for the rest of the population. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated statistics on the employment of the Roma population so that it can examine the results achieved through the employment generation measures for Roma workers referred to in the report.

5. Participation of the social partners. The Government states in its report that full participation of all institutions and partners is the most important condition for successfully achieving the objectives of the National Employment Strategy objectives. The Committee refers to Article 3 and asks the Government to report in detail on the consultations held by the Social and Economic Council on the matters covered by the Convention. Please also report on the involvement of all the ministries concerned with social and economic policies in the consultation required by the Convention and indicate how the social partners have developed their capacity to enter into a constructive social dialogue in relation to decision-making on employment policies.

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

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain information on the matters raised in its 2003 direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee takes note of a report received in September 2002 containing certain indications on the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia and on the rights of the unemployed workers established by the legislation of the Republic of Serbia. The Government also stated that in keeping with Article 2 of the Convention, a new draft law is under preparation in the field of employment that will stipulate a new approach of the issue of employment policy. The Committee trusts that the Government will include in its next report information on the application of the Convention in Serbia and Montenegro, which will enable it to ascertain to what extent an active policy of promoting full, productive and freely chosen employment is formulated and applied in the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy and in consultation with all the persons affected, in accordance with Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

The Committee takes note of a report received in September 2002 containing certain indications on the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia and on the rights of the unemployed workers established by the legislation of the Republic of Serbia. The Government also stated that in keeping with Article 2 of the Convention, a new draft law is under preparation in the field of employment that will stipulate a new approach of the issue of employment policy. The Committee trusts that the Government will include in its next report information on the application of the Convention in Serbia and Montenegro, which will enable it to ascertain to what extent an active policy of promoting full, productive and freely chosen employment is formulated and applied in the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy and in consultation with all the persons affected, in accordance with Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention.