Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88) - Bahamas (Ratification: 1976)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2025, published 114th ILC session (2026)

Articles 1 and 6 of the Convention. Contribution of the employment service to employment promotion. The Government indicates in its report that the Public Employment Services (PES) unit, through its social media channels, shares information on job fairs, clothing drives, labour on the blocks events, give-back initiatives, skills bank recruitment, employability workshops, and other key activities. The Government refers to two initiatives: (1) the launch of a National Skills Bank, designed to connect Bahamians abroad with job opportunities in Bahamas; and (2) the National Apprenticeship Programme, slated for January 2025, which aims to enhance the skills of jobseekers, making them more competitive in the job market through apprenticeship opportunities. The Committee notes the statistical information provided by the Government for the period 2019–2023. The Committee notes in particular the information for the year 2023, indicating that the PES unit had 2,863 males and 4,056 women registered; 3,311 applicants had visited the PES unit seeking employment; 85,869 times applicants had applied for a position via the Online Skills Bank Job Portal; 21,116 applicants were referred for employment consideration; and that there were 691 permanent and nine temporary placements.

The Committee notes the Government’s indications regarding the Department of Labour’s initiatives to improve employment services, including job fairs organized under the “Labour on the Blocks” programme, the development of an online skills and job-matching portal, and the steps taken to establish a National Apprenticeship Programme. The Committee also notes the existence of continuing challenges related to skills mismatches, the concentration of employment opportunities in the tourism sector, and limited access to services for certain jobseekers. The Committee notes that the Bahamian labour market continues to face persistent skills gaps, particularly among young persons, and that employers frequently report difficulties in recruiting suitably qualified workers. It also notes that labour market information systems remain under development and that the provision of public employment services is affected by resource and capacity constraints as well as by the country’s geographic dispersion. Recalling that effective public employment services are essential for ensuring efficient functioning of the labour market, facilitating the matching of labour supply and demand, and promoting access to decent work opportunities, the Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the following points:

• Institutional framework and resources. Please indicate the current organization, staffing and financing of the Public Employment Service, including any steps taken to strengthen its technical capacity and to modernize its information and communication systems. Kindly specify whether service standards have been adopted and how the quality and timeliness of service delivery are monitored.
• National Apprenticeship Programme. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the adoption and implementation of the Apprenticeship Bill and the establishment and functioning of the National Apprenticeship Board. The Committee requests details on how the apprenticeship programme is coordinated with PES activities, including guidance, placement and follow-up of apprentices, and the main sectors and occupations concerned.
• Labour Market Information System (LMIS). The Committee requests information on the progress achieved in developing and operationalizing the LMIS, including its data sources, coverage and update frequency. The Government is requested to indicate how LMIS outputs are used to inform PES operations, training referrals and policy decisions.
• Access to services across the islands. The Government is requested to describe measures adopted to ensure equitable access to PES services on the Family Islands, including through mobile units, digital tools or local partnerships, and provide statistical information on registrations, placements and counselling sessions by island and by sex.
• Collaboration with employers and training institutions. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on cooperation between the PES and employers’ organizations, enterprises and training institutions, including through job fairs, internship or apprenticeship schemes. Kindly indicate the number of participating employers, vacancies notified, placements achieved, and any mechanisms to obtain feedback from employers.
• Measures to address skills mismatches. The Committee requests information on assessments undertaken to identify skills in demand, and on initiatives to align vocational and technical training programmes with labour market needs, particularly for young jobseekers. The Government is requested to provide data on participants and placement rates in relevant programmes.
• Digitalization and user experience. Please describe the operation and uptake of the online skills and job-matching portal, including the number of jobseekers and employers registered, vacancies posted, and placements achieved. Kindly indicate measures taken to promote digital inclusion and protect users’ personal data.
• Crisis preparedness and resilience. Given the country’s exposure to natural disasters and external shocks, the Government is requested to indicate whether contingency mechanisms exist within the PES to provide rapid response services (such as emergency registration, temporary employment or retraining) during crisis situations, and whether evaluations of such measures have been undertaken.
• Results framework. The Committee requests the Government to provide available statistical information for the past three years, disaggregated by sex, age group and island, on: (i) jobseekers registered; (ii) vacancies notified and filled; (iii) placement-to-registration ratios; (iv) average time to placement; and (v) sustainability of employment after six and twelve months. Please also include data on training referrals, completions and subsequent employment.

The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed information on the functioning of the Public Employment Service, on the results achieved in terms of placements and training referrals, and on the measures taken to strengthen institutional capacity, expand outreach to all islands, and promote inclusive and sustainable employment outcomes.

Articles 4 and 5. Participation of the social partners. The Government indicates that the PES unit collaborates extensively with a range of social partners, including the Bahamas Society for Human Resource Management (BSHRM), Avasant Foundation, the National Training Agency (NTA), Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), the University of The Bahamas (UB), and the LJM Maritime Academy. The Government adds that it actively involves employers in job and career fairs. The Committee recalls that Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention require the establishment of advisory committees with a view to ensuring full cooperation, between both representatives of employers and workers, in the organization and operation of the public employment service and the development of employment service policy. The Committee requests the Government to provide examples of the involvement of the social partners, including both representatives of employers and workers, in the organisation and operation of the public employment service and the development of employment service policy. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted, in collaboration with the social partners, to ensure the effective functioning of a free public employment service.

Articles 7 and 8. Measures for particular categories of applicants for employment. The Government indicates that the PES is actively collaborating with the National Disability Commission to identify individuals with disabilities and their skill sets. Additionally, the PES matches individuals with disabilities to positions suitable for their needs, including those requiring remote work. The Committee notes with interest the enactment of the National Apprenticeship Act, 2024 (.gov). The Government indicates that among its goals, the Act seeks to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in apprenticeships. In its previous comments, the Committee had noted with interest the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities) Act, 2014. The Committee notes that the Government does not provide detailed information concerning the arrangements made to adequately meet the needs of young persons in the employment service. Consequently, the Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide information concerning the arrangements made to adequately meet the needs of young persons in the employment service. The Committee request also the Government to continue to provide information on the results of the measures taken by the employment service with regard to persons with disabilities, including information on how the employment service applies or takes into account the goals of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities) Act, 2014, and the National Apprenticeship Act, 2024.

The Committee draws attention to recent publications prepared by ILO that could be useful in the development and regulation of public employment services, including: Public employment services diagnostic tool and guide (ILO, 2021), and Public employment services and active labour market policies for transitions (ILO, 2023).

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

Articles 1 and 6 of the Convention. Contribution of the employment service to employment promotion. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report indicating that, between 1 August 2014 and 30 September 2015, the Employment/Labour Exchange of the Department of Labour had newly registered 1,966 women and 1,461 men. The Government adds that return interviews were conducted with 7,794 women and 5,253 men; moreover, 1,280 women and 1,004 men were referred to prospective employers and placements were secured for 197 women and 192 men. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the operation of the public employment offices and their activities in carrying out effective recruitment and placement. The Government is further requested to continue to provide statistical information concerning the number of public employment offices established, the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified, and the number of persons placed in employment by such offices.

Articles 4 and 5. Participation of the social partners. The Committee requests the Government to provide examples of the involvement of the social partners in the activities of the public employment services. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted, in collaboration with the social partners, to ensure the effective functioning of a free public employment service.

Articles 7 and 8. Measures for particular categories of applicants for employment. The Committee notes with interest the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities) Act, 2014. The Government indicates that said Act was approved as part of the system designed to adequately meet the needs of persons with disabilities, including equal access to opportunities for training and suitable employment. The Committee requests the Government to provide particulars concerning the arrangements made to meet adequately the needs of young persons and to provide information on the results of the measures taken by the employment service with regard to persons with disabilities.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Articles 1 and 6 of the Convention. Contribution of the employment service to employment promotion. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in November 2013, in reply to its 2012 direct request. The Government indicates that efforts are ongoing in order to increase the number of public employment offices; since the report submitted in November 2012, one of such offices has opened on the island of New Providence and there are plans to establish two additional ones on that same island. The Committee also notes that, between 1 October 2012 and 30 September 2013, there were 11,576 women (2,512 new registrants and 9,064 returning ones) and 7,643 men (1,845 new registrants and 5,798 returning ones) registered in the Employment/Labour Exchange. During that same period, 2,059 women and 1,872 men were referred to vacant positions, out of which 278 and 134 were respectively placed in employment. Furthermore, the Government reports that a National Training Agency was established in the third quarter of 2013 in order to help equip jobseekers with skills that would enable them to obtain employment (either via the country’s free public employment service or independently). The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the operation of the public employment offices and their activities in carrying out effective recruitment and placement. It also invites the Government to continue to provide statistical information concerning the number of public employment offices established, the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified, and the number of persons placed in employment by such offices (Part IV of the report form).

Articles 4 and 5. Participation of the social partners. The Committee takes note of the Government’s indications concerning the involvement of the social partners in the establishment of the abovementioned National Training Agency. The Committee would welcome examining further examples of the involvement of the social partners in the activities of the public employment services. It therefore invites the Government to provide information on the measures adopted, in collaboration with the social partners to ensure the effective functioning of a free public employment service.

Articles 7 and 8. Measures for particular categories of applicants for employment. The Government indicates that the National Training Agency is designed to help meet adequately the needs of particular categories of applicants for employment. It adds that in the first instance the target group of the Agency is that of young persons up to 29 years of age. The Committee invites the Government to provide particulars concerning the arrangements made to meet adequately the needs of persons with disabilities and young persons.

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

Articles 1 and 6 of the Convention. Contribution of the employment service to employment promotion. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in November 2013, in reply to its 2012 direct request. The Government indicates that efforts are ongoing in order to increase the number of public employment offices; since the report submitted in November 2012, one of such offices has opened on the island of New Providence and there are plans to establish two additional ones on that same island. The Committee also notes that, between 1 October 2012 and 30 September 2013, there were 11,576 women (2,512 new registrants and 9,064 returning ones) and 7,643 men (1,845 new registrants and 5,798 returning ones) registered in the Employment/Labour Exchange. During that same period, 2,059 women and 1,872 men were referred to vacant positions, out of which 278 and 134 were respectively placed in employment. Furthermore, the Government reports that a National Training Agency was established in the third quarter of 2013 in order to help equip jobseekers with skills that would enable them to obtain employment (either via the country’s free public employment service or independently). The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the operation of the public employment offices and their activities in carrying out effective recruitment and placement. It also invites the Government to continue to provide statistical information concerning the number of public employment offices established, the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified, and the number of persons placed in employment by such offices (Part IV of the report form).

Articles 4 and 5. Participation of the social partners. The Committee takes note of the Government’s indications concerning the involvement of the social partners in the establishment of the abovementioned National Training Agency. The Committee would welcome examining further examples of the involvement of the social partners in the activities of the public employment services. It therefore invites the Government to provide information on the measures adopted, in collaboration with the social partners to ensure the effective functioning of a free public employment service.

Articles 7 and 8. Measures for particular categories of applicants for employment. The Government indicates that the National Training Agency is designed to help meet adequately the needs of particular categories of applicants for employment. It adds that in the first instance the target group of the Agency is that of young persons up to 29 years of age. The Committee invites the Government to provide particulars concerning the arrangements made to meet adequately the needs of persons with disabilities and young persons.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2012, published 102nd ILC session (2013)

The Committee notes the Government’s brief report received in November 2012. The Government indicates that there are public employment offices on the islands of Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Andros and Exuma. It reports that it is in the process of increasing the number of offices by two. During the period 1 October 2011–31 October 2012, there were 5,193 persons registered with the Employment Exchange, and out of these 1,537 persons were referred to jobs. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide statistical information concerning the number of public employment offices established, the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified, and the number of persons placed in employment by such offices (Part IV of the report form).

Participation of the social partners. The Government previously indicated that the Joint Tripartite Advisory Committee (JTAC) for employment service and labour relations was instituted via ministerial regulations. It also indicated that the representatives of employers and workers who participate in the JTAC were nominated by their respective organizations. The Committee refers to the 2010 General Survey concerning employment instruments, in which it highlighted the importance of the public services’ direct and constant interaction with employers and jobseekers (General Survey, paragraph 208). The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the measures adopted, in collaboration with the social partners, within the framework of the JTAC, to ensure the effective functioning of a free public employment service (Articles 1–5 of the Convention).

Measures for particular categories of applicants for employment. The Committee previously noted that a draft programme aimed at creating more employment opportunities for persons with disabilities was before Cabinet. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the measures taken to meet adequately the needs of particular categories of applicants for employment, such as persons with disabilities (Article 7).

Cooperation with private employment agencies. The Government reported in September 2005 that it was in the process of drafting legislation to regulate private employment agencies. In its 2010 General Survey concerning employment instruments, the Committee indicated that the public and private employment services both contribute to the optimal functioning of the labour market and to the realization of the right to work. The Government might consider it useful to refer to the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), and the accompanying Recommendation No. 188, which are the most recent instruments adopted by the International Labour Conference to formulate and establish conditions to promote cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies.

[The Government is asked to reply in detail to the present comments in 2013.]

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

The Committee notes with regret 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 full information on the matters raised in its 2005 observation, which read as follows:

Repetition

1. Participation of the social partners. In reply to its previous comments, the Government indicates that the Joint Tripartite Advisory Committee (JTAC) for employment service and labour relations was instituted via ministerial regulations. It also indicates that the representatives of employers and workers who participate in the JTAC were nominated by their respective organizations. The Committee notes this information with interest and requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures adopted, in collaboration with the social partners, within the framework of the JTAC, to ensure the effective functioning of a free public employment service (Articles 1–5 of the Convention).

2. Measures for particular categories of applicants for employment. The Committee notes that a draft programme aiming at creating more employment opportunities for persons with disabilities is before Cabinet. It would appreciate receiving further indications on the measures taken to meet adequately the needs of particular categories of applicants for employment, such as persons with disabilities (Article 7).

3. Cooperation with private employment agencies. The Government reports that it is in the process of drafting legislation to regulate private employment agencies. The Government might consider it useful to refer to the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), and the accompanying Recommendation No. 188, which are the most recent instruments adopted by the International Labour Conference to formulate and establish conditions to promote cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies.

4. Practical application. Please continue to provide statistical information concerning the number of public employment offices established, the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified, and the number of persons placed in employment by such offices (Part IV of the report form).

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

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its 2005 observation which read as follows:

1. Participation of the social partners. In reply to its previous comments, the Government indicates that the Joint Tripartite Advisory Committee (JTAC) for employment service and labour relations was instituted via ministerial regulations. It also indicates that the representatives of employers and workers who participate in the JTAC were nominated by their respective organizations. The Committee notes this information with interest and requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures adopted, in collaboration with the social partners, within the framework of the JTAC, to ensure the effective functioning of a free public employment service (Articles 1–5 of the Convention).

2. Measures for particular categories of applicants for employment. The Committee notes that a draft programme aiming at creating more employment opportunities for persons with disabilities is before Cabinet. It would appreciate receiving further indications on the measures taken to meet adequately the needs of particular categories of applicants for employment, such as persons with disabilities (Article 7).

3. Cooperation with private employment agencies. The Government reports that it is in the process of drafting legislation to regulate private employment agencies. The Government might consider it useful to refer to the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), and the accompanying Recommendation No. 188, which are the most recent instruments adopted by the International Labour Conference to formulate and establish conditions to promote cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies.

4. Practical application. Please continue to provide statistical information concerning the number of public employment offices established, the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified, and the number of persons placed in employment by such offices (Part IV of the report form).

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

The Committee notes the reply to its previous direct request received in September 2000 as well as the Government’s report for the period ending in June 2005.

1. Participation of the social partners. In reply to its previous comments, the Government indicates that the Joint Tripartite Advisory Committee (JTAC) for employment service and labour relations was instituted via ministerial regulations. It also indicates that the representatives of employers and workers who participate in the JTAC were nominated by their respective organizations. The Committee notes this information with interest and requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures adopted, in collaboration with the social partners, within the framework of the JTAC, to ensure the effective functioning of a free public employment service (Articles 1 to 5 of the Convention).

2. Measures for particular categories of applicants for employment. The Committee notes that a draft programme aiming at creating more employment opportunities for persons with disabilities is before Cabinet. It would appreciate receiving further indications on the measures taken to meet adequately the needs of particular categories of applicants for employment, such as persons with disabilities (Article 7).

3. Cooperation with private employment agencies. The Government reports that it is in the process of drafting legislation to regulate private employment agencies. The Government might consider it useful to refer to the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181) and the accompanying Recommendation No. 188, which are the most recent instruments adopted by the International Labour Conference to formulate and establish conditions to promote cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies.

4. Practical application. Please continue to provide statistical information concerning the number of public employment offices established, the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified, and the number of persons placed in employment by such offices (Part IV of the report form).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

The Committee notes the Government's report which contains detailed information on the activities carried out by the Department of Labour with regard to the placement of, and assistance to, unemployed persons. In reply to its previous comments, the Committee also notes that the employment projects and Junior Achievers programme are coordinated by the Ministry. It further notes with interest the 1996 National Youth Yearbook supplied by the Government describing the operation of programmes promoting employment for juveniles (Article 8 of the Convention).

Articles 4 and 5. The Government states that the Joint Advisory Committee is consulted on matters concerning the organization and operation of the employment service and the development of the employment service policy. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would give all the particulars required by the report form on the arrangements made through the Joint Advisory Committee, how the Joint Advisory Committee was constituted and the procedure adopted for the appointment of employer and worker representatives.

Article 7. The Committee notes that the Government has amended its Building Code mandating that all public buildings insert ramps, rails and designated parking space for disabled persons. It recalls again that, under this Article, measures shall be taken:

a) to facilitate within the various employment offices specialization by occupations and by industries, such as agriculture and any other branch of activity in which such specialization may be useful; and

b) to meet adequately the needs of particular categories of applicants for employment, such as disabled persons.

The Committee expresses its firm hope that the Government will provide information in its next report on any other measures taken in order to give effect to this Article.

Part IV of the report form. Please continue to furnish statistical information concerning the number of public employment offices established, the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified, and the number of persons placed in employment by such offices.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 83rd ILC session (1996)

The Committee has noted the information provided by the Government in reply to its earlier comments.

Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention. The Government states that members of the tripartite Joint Advisory Committee are appointed in equal numbers after consultation with representative organizations of employers and workers. It also indicates that this body is consulted on all matters concerning labour, including policy and new legislation. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would make it clear, in its next report, that the Joint Advisory Committee is consulted on matters concerning the organization and operation of the employment service and the development of the employment service policy.

Article 7. The Committee notes a brief statement in the Government's report, in particular according to which very little has been done to meet the needs of disabled workers. It recalls that, under this Article, measures shall be taken:

(a) to facilitate within the various employment offices specialization by occupations and by industries, such as agriculture and any other branch of activity in which such specialization may be useful; and

(b) to meet adequate the needs of particular categories of applicants for employment, such as disabled persons".

The Committee once again expresses the hope that the Government will provide more detailed information concerning the arrangements made to give effect to this Article.

Article 8. The Government indicates that young applicants for employment are dealt with by a separate branch of the employment service - the Youth Employment Service. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would describe in more detail the functioning of this branch, as well as any other special arrangements for juveniles, if any, within the framework of the employment and vocational guidance services.

Point IV of the report form. Please furnish statistical information concerning the number of public employment offices established, the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified, and the number of persons placed in employment by such offices.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

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 full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee takes note of the information supplied by the Government in reply to its previous comments.

It notes, in particular, that with the introduction of the "Jobmobile" the employment services have been made available to all the population in the outlying areas in New Providence as well as the Family Islands.

Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention. The Committee notes a statement in the Government's report according to which the tripartite Joint Advisory Committee provided for under section 4 of the Industrial Relations Act, 1970, has been reactivated. It asks the Government to indicate whether the representatives of employers and workers on this Committee are appointed in equal numbers after consultation with representative organizations of employers and workers. Please also indicate whether this Committee is consulted in regard to the policy, organization and operation of the employment service.

Articles 7 and 8. In its earlier comments the Committee noted the general statement in the Government's report for the period ending 30 June 1985, according to which arrangements had been made to facilitate specialization by occupation and industries, disabled workers were encouraged to register with the Placement Service and the Youth Employment Service was fully functional. The Committee cannot but reiterate its hope that the Government will provide more detailed and practical information concerning these arrangements and the manner in which they give effect to these Articles. For instance, please indicate the occupation, industries and special categories of applicants for which specialized arrangements have been made.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1990, published 77th ILC session (1990)

The Committee takes note of the information supplied by the Government in reply to its previous comments.

It notes, in particular, that with the introduction of the "Jobmobile" the employment services have been made available to all the population in the outlying areas in New Providence as well as the Family Islands.

Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention. The Committee notes a statement in the Government's report according to which the tripartite Joint Advisory Committee provided for under section 4 of the Industrial Relations Act, 1970, has been reactivated. It asks the Government to indicate whether the representatives of employers and workers on this Committee are appointed in equal numbers after consultation with representative organisations of employers and workers. Please also indicate whether this Committee is consulted in regard to the policy, organisation and operation of the employment service.

Articles 7 and 8. In its earlier comments the Committee noted the general statement in the Government's report for the period ending 30 June 1985, according to which arrangements had been made to facilitate specialisation by occupation and industries, disabled workers were encouraged to register with the Placement Service and the Youth Employment Service was fully functional. The Committee cannot but reiterate its hope that the Government will provide more detailed and practical information concerning these arrangements and the manner in which they give effect to these Articles. For instance, please indicate the occupation, industries and special categories of applicants for which specialised arrangements have been made.