RELEASE FROM ARMY

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 60, 4 December 1942, Page 4

RELEASE FROM ARMY

Meh For Employment In Industry PROCEDURE CHANGED

Changes in procedure in order to effect closer co-ordination between the Army and the armed forces appeal boards for the release of men for employment, in industry were announced last night by the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jones. He said it had been arranged that when an appeal board made a recomfnendation for a man’s release, it would be immediately telegraphed to his unit, and if the release was practicable the unit commander would grant a period of provisional leave (generally 28 days), and send him to the place of. employment. At the same time notice would be sent to the appeal board so that a check could be made to ensure that the man took up the employment. The Minister explained that if the leave recommended by the board was approved by Army Headquarters, the provisional leave would be confirmed and any extension communicated to the man and the board. “In some instances, however, it will not be practicable to grant the leave recommended,” continued the Minister. “For example, if the man is sick, on leave, or is a key man in his unit, the commanding officer will at once inform the board through, the local area officer, and also Army Headquarters. The case will then’ receive special consideration at Army Headquarters and by the’ Director of National .Service, and a final decision made as soon as possible.” In referring to the difficulties in connexion with the release of key men, the Minister quoted the instructions which had been issued to unit commanders. | 'Every reasonable effort, lie said, was being made by the Army to assist employers by releasing those men who could be spared and by ensuring that as little delay as possible took place. Employers could assist materially by giving prompt notice to the local appeal board or district manpower officer if a man did not report or if he left the employment; during his period of leave. In the latter case prompt action was taken to return the man to camp.