SPREADING EMPLOYMENT

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 November 1934, Page 7

SPREADING EMPLOYMENT

SHORTER WEEK PROPOSALS. [BRITISH OFFICIAL WIBELESB.] RUGBY, November 15. The possibility of absorbing more persons in industry by better distribution of employment is engaging the active attention of the Government, The Minister of Labour stated that he had arranged for immediate conversations with representative organisations and work people, regarding the general question of hours of labour. He said the practicability of seven hours a day, or five a day, week in industry, would no doubt be brought under review. The matter was recently the subject of an appeal by Mr Baldwin to employers to consider the question of reduction in overtime, and further reference to it was made in the Commons debase on the proposals for dealing with depressed areas, ’ when the Labour Minister said an invitation to the discussions had been sent to the National Confederation of Employers’ organisation and the Trade Unions Congress. He hoped to have the opportunity of discussing with each individual industry the part it could play. He regarded it as a national duty that employers, wherever possible should assist the Government in the task of dealing with unemployed.