Women At Work

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 204, 26 May 1938, Page 5

Women At Work

Importance of Good Food, Fresh Air And Water

"Dominion'’ Special Service— By Airmail.

' Rondon. April 30. WOMEN in Industry have a higher ’’ sickness rate than men, according to a report of the National Women's Advisory Committee, which I have been reading. One reason for this, says the report, is that women are paid less than men, and have therefore less to spend on necessities. Another is that they often have domestic duties apart from their work, and the two together prove too much of a strain, often involving lack of fresh air and sleep.

Shop assistants, apparently, have a higher sickness absenteeism than any other occupational group. “It is unlikely,” says the report, “that there is any important physiological difference between them and their colleagues, but there may be temperam'ental differences.” These mav arise, the report explains, from the different, sorts of strain and anxiety to which shop workers and factory workers are subject. The greatest evils come, however, from standing for long periods of time.

A note from Dr. Helen Scott states that she knows from personal experience that women and girls who serve in shops complain that they are often not allowed to sit down on the chairs provided, even when there are no customers about, because “it makes business look so slack.” Dr. Scott stresses the importance Of good and sufficient food, and suggests that firms should provide a meal for their workers at the beginning of the day. “This would ensure better health for the workers and an improved output of work.”

The main causes of illness among women workers are given in the report as unsuitable food, faulty clothing, and shoes, lack of fresh air, and insufficient drinking of water. There has been a large increase in the number of women to join trade unions recently, says the report. During the past three years the total has risen by 137,063. More than half of these women are employed in the textile, shoe, and tailoring trades. Progress is slow, however, and the report emphasises the necessity for women in industry to be organised. Ways and means for their better organisation are to be considered in the near future.