Commission Report 2002 (Slovakia)

Chapter 13: Social policy and employment

Progress has been made in enforcing social acquis, in particular in the field of health and safety at work. Administrative and enforcement structures have been strengthened to a certain extent. As foreseen in the Action Plan, the labour inspectorates have been strengthened, a competent national body has been established under the Posting of Workers Directive and a Labour Protection Information Centre has been established. The increase of staff is taking place according to the Action Plan. There has been no progress with the adoption of legislation against discrimination and an appropriate implementing body as foreseen in the Action Plan still has to be created. In the field of public health, progress has been made in the area of surveillance and control of communicable diseases. As set out in the Action Plan, Slovakia's co-operation with the EU in the area of field studies is on track, but more work is needed to develop Slovakia's health monitoring system to ensure that data and indicators are comparable with the EU. Promotion of bipartite social dialogue has continued. Preparation for future participation in the European strategy on social inclusion has started. The Accession Partnership priorities in the area of social policy and employment have been partially met. Implementation of the measures under the Action Plan is largely on track.