Peer learning dialogue: Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic for the organisation of inspections

The pilot Peer Learning Dialogue (PLD) focused on the future organisation of labour inspections and inspectorates, incorporating lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.  It took place across three one-day meetings, involving seven Platform representatives and one thematic expert.

The countries involved in the PLD highlighted the changes that occurred in the organisation and planning of physical inspections to encompass other forms such as remote inspections (telephone and video conference) as well as postal and documentary inspections. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in inspectorates adapting their planning and implementation methods, for example, health and safety practices (i.e. use of personal protection equipment), and introducing risk assessment forms. Additionally, it was outlined that the shift to digital homeworking has also highlighted the need for inspectorates to refine and develop management and control systems, and to facilitate a shift towards the increased use of data analysis to help detect and prevent labour law violations.