BRITISH WOOLLEN TEXTILES IN NEED OF LABOUR

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 May 1947, Page 8

BRITISH WOOLLEN TEXTILES IN NEED OF LABOUR

LONDON, May 1. The most urgent task confronting the British woollen textile industry is to increase its labour force from 166,000 to 200,000, says the report of the Wool Working Party, which has just been released. No major changes are' advocated.' Suggestions for improving productive, and competitive efficiency - are made, but these do not involve any fundamental reorganisation. The report says that the investigation committee • formed a favourable opinion of the general level of the efficiency of the industry, and of the robust spirit of confidence with which manufacturers are planning for the future. It felt that, in spite of the difficulties created by the war, the British woollen industry could still hold its own in world inarkets. The report recommends the formation of a joint committee, of employers, workers, and independent members to act in an advisory and consultative capacity "as a channel of communication between the Government and the industry. After war-time shortages have been met, the report visualises an increased home demand for woollen goods of up to 10 per cent, above the pre-war demand, and a possible export demand of 20 per cent, above the pre-war figures. Taking into account that the maximum labour force available will probably be 200,000, as against 220,000 before the war, the industry is urged’ to plan for increased productivity of 20 to 25 per cent, in the next few years. ■