CONGENIAL EMPLOYMENT

Evening Star, Issue 25225, 12 July 1944, Page 4

CONGENIAL EMPLOYMENT

REHABILITATION OF EX- | SERVICEMEN ' BRIDGING DIFFICULT TRANSITION PERIOD (P.A.) WELLINGTON, July. 12. A scheme for providing ex-servicemen with light, congenial employment 'during recuperation is announced by the Minister of Rehabilitation, Mr Skinner. It is a scheme of' intermediate employment designed, above all. to help in the final recovery of the ex-service-man during that most difficult " settling down" period before he feels equal to undertaking more serious permanent employment, Ihe work—preferably of an open-air nature such as gardening—is also designed to be useful and of benofit to the community, and to this end the Rehabilitation Department is seeking tho cooperation and support of local bodies and other employing authorities, in addition, the work provided will be chosen for its value in training a man to re-enter the industrial life of the community and will also provides him with an additional accomplishment in later life. Whenever possible the servicemen concerned will be employed in parks, reserves, and other suitable horticultural areas where they will not only work in congenial surroundings, but will also bo encouraged to feel that they are doing something productive and useful. The greatest care will he taken to ensure that the work is well within the physical capabilities of the individual alia that tho rest is adequate. Any employer co-operating in the scheme will be required to pay award wages, subsidised by tho (Rehabilitation Board, and steps- will be taken to provide against the displacement of unsubsidised civilian workers or any other possible abuses by persons seeking cheap labour.. The local rehabilitation officers will arrange details of the scheme with the employing authorities, and the men will be encouraged to seek suitable permanent positions for themselves as soon as they become fit to resume normal occupations.