Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2000, published 89th ILC session (2001)

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Portugal (Ratification: 1981)

Article 1 of the Convention.  The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s detailed report. In particular, it notes the improvement in the general state of the economy, and the positive trends in employment growth, increased participation, and decreased unemployment for many categories of workers. The Central Union (CGTP) states that the Government has made some progress, but it does not agree with the Government’s focus on active employment policies. The CGTP also considers that there has been an increase in the precariousness of employment. The Government agrees with the CGTP that there has been an increase in non-permanent contracts, particularly affecting young workers, women, and part-time workers. However, it points out that there has been modest but positive growth in permanent contracts, from which women have benefited the most.

The Government states in its report that one of the main structural problems is the generally low level of education and training, which is discouraging further private investment in training. In addition, the CGTP points out that there are problems of mismatch between skills and available jobs in the labour market, resulting in young people being forced to accept jobs for which they are overqualified. In response, the Government has implemented several measures to increase the general level of skills, and to improve coordination between supply and demand. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the outcome of these measures, as well as other measures to stimulate appropriate employment for higher-skilled workers.

The CGTP also points out that the employment created is generally of low quality, and is concerned that the labour market is splitting between high and low skilled workers, on the one hand, who are able to find employment more easily, and medium-skilled workers who are having more difficulties. The Government also states that the low skills base is skewing production towards low-productivity labour-intensive technologies which result in lower wages. However, it has set new targets for information and communication technology (ICT) training in at least 50 per cent of continuing training courses, and is taking steps to encourage firms to invest in new technologies. The Committee requests further information on the outcome of this strategy.

The Government also states that the National Action Plan for Employment (NAP) 1998-2002 will improve linkages between social protection and employment policies, improve social dialogue and partnerships at various levels, create partnerships with local developmental organizations, and aim to reduce gender-based inequalities. Furthermore, the NAP will develop, test and spread good practices at the micro level. Numerous measures have been taken to carry out these goals. The Committee notes these measures with interest and requests further information on their outcome.

Lastly, the Committee notes with interest the Government’s efforts to engage a cross-section of several ministries to promote employment, and to develop both national and regional strategies. Included are the Ministries of Economic Affairs, Finance, Planning, Education, Science and Culture, Equal Opportunity, Reform of State, and Youth. Please provide further information on progress made in this respect.

Article 2.  The Committee notes with interest that the Government has changed its monitoring indicators, from a focus on expenditures to a focus on results. Evaluations are scheduled every six months, and carried out by a tripartite working group on technical monitoring of the NAP. For its part, the CGTP considers that there is no follow-up to some evaluations; it would like to see a permanent system of evaluation established, with greater efforts made by the employment service to monitor employment trends within its competence. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the evaluation methodologies developed, on the outcomes, and on the follow-up action taken.