The Fiji National Employment Policy is set to be finalized by July this year, driven by the ongoing National Employment Policy Review Workshop in Suva. Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh expressed the importance of aligning the new policy with the National Development Plan, aiming for it to take effect on August 1, coinciding with the start of the new financial year.
Singh emphasized the draft policy’s focus on nine priority areas, which include improving working conditions, enhancing education and skills development, and fostering entrepreneurship among vulnerable groups. The policy also addresses significant issues such as labor migration, climate resilience, and the need for diversification of employment and digitization within the labor market.
The two-day workshop will involve consultations with various representatives from government ministries, employer and worker organizations, and other stakeholders, aiming for wide-ranging input on the draft policy. This collaborative approach strives to ensure the new policy effectively meets the evolving demands of the workforce and economic landscape.
Similar discussions have taken place regarding the broader legislative context, including the proposed Employment Relations Bill which is expected to update employment laws to reflect changing workforce dynamics. Such reforms aim to balance the interests of workers and businesses, encouraging ongoing dialogue and cooperation among all parties involved.
The policy’s development highlights a proactive effort by the Fijian government to address contemporary labor challenges and ensure that the workforce can thrive in an increasingly complex global environment. With hopes for implementation by the start of the financial year, there is optimism that these initiatives will lead to a more robust and supportive employment framework for all Fijians.
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