International and Vietnamese experts discussed measures to create jobs, improve working environment and pay in Vietnam on August 5.

 Vice Chairman of the NA Committee on Social Affairs
addresses need for policies to create jobs

Bui Sy Loi, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Committee on Social Affairs took part in the conference about the draft laws of employment and highlighted the urgent need for policies that create jobs.

Former vice chairman of the NA Committee on Social Affairs Dang Nhu Loi said that it was unrealistic to expect unemployment to decrease in Vietnam every year despite the economic crisis. In 2013, the unemployment rate in Vietnam was as low as 2%, however a large portion of those counted as employed still live in poverty.

The draft law has extended the right to file for unemployment insurance to labourers who have three to twelve-month contracts. Previously, it was necessary to have at least a one-year contract to qualify for unemployment insurance.

According to Loi, the draft law proposes six credit policies to support labourers in rural areas and create more jobs for graduates. Lending conditions have been specified in order to avoid overlapping in the two policies on preferential loans: a credit program which aims to help business expansion and another programme which uses the National Employment Fund to support labourers.

Makiko Matsumoto from International Labour Organisation commented that while the draft law raises many issues about employment policy, it lacks details when it comes to the specifics of implementation.

For example the preferential lending policy for labourers touched on problems with capital and who would be qualified, however, it lacks solutions for those who are unable to pay off their debts or information on which agencies have the authority to grant and manage loans.

The draft law on employment is designed to fill the current gap in regulations in the current Labour Code. Vietnam adds about 1.2 million people to the labour force each year.