EMPLOYMENT PLAN

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 69, 23 March 1939, Page 10

EMPLOYMENT PLAN

TRANSFER OF MEN TO

INDUSTRY

START OF A NEW PHASE

NO. 13 SCHEME

. "At the end of this month the Employment Promotion Fund comes to an end, and its passing virtually marks the end of what might be described as the temporary phase in the promotion of employment and the building up of the purchasing power of the people," said the Minister of Labour (the Hon. P. C. Webb) in an interview today. "Now all efforts must be directed to expanding industry and getting the men hitherto employed on subsidised jobs with local bodies and others transferred into self-supporting employment augmenting the production of our primary and secondary industries."

Mr. Webb intimated that for some time past the Labour Department has been in discussion with the New Zealand manufacturers and others with a view to arranging a mutually acceptable plan under which suitable male adults might be trained and enabled to take a full place in the field of industry and commerce. "A further meeting is to be held in the next few days," he said, "and it is hoped that all parties concerned will bring to that meeting ,the spirit of co-operation and the will to solve this difficult problem, thereby advancing the real interests of all concerned.

"With the switching of the special revenues, hitherto earmarked for employment promotion, to the Social Security Fund, any funds required for subsidising employment will have to be provided from general taxation, and it is clear that the amount that can be made available during next financial year will be much less than was available for the current year.

"Scheme 13 has served its purpose and with the drive now being undertaken to get men into industry . the scheme must be closed down as quickly as other employment can be found for the men concerned. Where necessary the Labour Department will discuss with local bodies and other arrangements for a temporary'continuation of the scheme beyond March 31.

"A review of works in hand previously approved is being undertaken and employing authorities will be communicated with concerning these works as soon as possible. Pending such communication employing authorities may continue operations on approved works beyond March 31."