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

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Jamaica (Ratification: 1975)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Adoption of a national employment policy. The Committee recalls once again that it has been requesting information in relation to the final draft employment policy concept paper and the development of a national employment policy (NEP) since 2011, when it noted that the NEP was expected to be issued in 2013. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that in 2020, the Prime Minister commissioned the development of a National Policy on Work to build on the success of the Housing, Opportunity, Production and Employment (HOPE) Programme. The Government indicates that after initial consultations with key stakeholders, there was a shift in focus from a national policy on work to an NEP in keeping with the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122). Consequently, in July 2022, the Cabinet gave approval for the Office of the Prime Minister to develop an NEP. The Committee wishes to recall that Convention No. 122 creates a core obligation on ratifying States to explicitly state their employment policies and engage in social dialogue in their formulation, implementation and review in light of the objective of full, productive and freely chosen employment. It also recallsthat the policy formulation phase has not been able to deliver for more than ten years and urges the Government, in consultation with the representatives of the persons affected by the measures to be taken, and in particular representatives of employers and workers, to take the necessary measures to finalize the draft employment policy concept paper and develop the NEP, in consultation with the social partners and relevant stakeholders, without delay. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to keep it informed of the measures taken and progress made in this respect.

The Committee also wishes to draw the Government’s attention to the ILO’s publication, “Two Decades of National Employment Policies 2000–2020”, which reviews the development and impact of national employment policies over the past 20 years. It discusses how these policies have adapted to global challenges, and the importance of inclusive and flexible policy design, and shares lessons from various countries. The report also offers recommendations for future policies to address structural labour market issues and promote sustainable, decent work. The Government’s attention is further drawn to the ILO’s Employment Diagnostics Toolbox, which provides essential tools, resources and guidance for analysing labour markets to support evidence-based policymaking. It aims to identify challenges and opportunities for achieving full, productive and decent work. The toolbox includes analytical frameworks, data sources, thematic deep dives and guidelines on digital and green employment diagnostics. Lastly, the Committee wishes to point out that the ILO’s Employment Policy Design Lab is a platform showcasing tools, approaches and best practices to help policymakers develop and implement effective employment policies. It provides resources for each step of the policy cycle, including policy formulation, implementation strategies, and monitoring and evaluation. The Lab also highlights innovations in areas such as green recovery, youth employment and gender-responsive policies.

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