70 TO 80-HOUR WEEK

Grey River Argus, 31 July 1940, Page 8

70 TO 80-HOUR WEEK

IN WAR INDUSTRIES British Spurt to be Moderated (‘British Official Wireless] RUGBY, July 29. Realising that a continuation of excessive hours of work is likely to azteat the object of increased production, for which increased hours were temporarily introduced in the war industries, the Minister of Labour has sent a series of suggestions, drawn up in consultation with the British Employers’ Confederation and tnc Trades Union Congress, to all firms producing munitions, and war material. These notes say: “A continuation of seven-day working, with an average working week of netween 7u and SO hours, will quickly, cause a rapid decrease in individual productive capacity, owing to abnormal strain. If prolonged, the output achieved in seven days will become less than what could have been achieved with the same group of workers in a shorter period. It is necessary, therefore, that the average hours of work should be reduced xts a lower level, the ideal being a ngur e which will give, under the existing conditions, the maximum output. It is not easy to determine this figure, which varies according to the circumstances of the different industries, but experience shows that it is materially below the general hours at present being worked on war production. It may not be practicable to effect the necessary adjustment a' once, in which case immediate provision for adequate rest periods win assist in preventing undue fatigue.' The Minister, therefore, states tnat the labour force must be speedily increased, but while this is taking place—and new labour will have to be trained for the work —the strain on the workers must be relieved oy an immediate reduction of iiouiu, where practicable. Relief worker •> should be called upon, if possible, for two day and two night shifts. The Minister’s notes include an illustration of the rotas which cou u be worked in factories to gain the desired result. Industrial experts are agreed that a 55-hour week is most satisfactory in war-time, and is likely to effect the maximum production. The Ministry of Labour has issued an order, authorising factory inspectors to give directions, that munition factories should arrange for tne en.ployment of the necessary number or persons to maintain medical supervision, nursing and, first-aid, and we - fare supervision of the workers employed by them.

Defence of Britain

WATER-CRAFT PRECAUTIONS.

RUGBY, July 29.

By order of the Ministry of Home Security, motor and sailing craft, as well as rowing boats, punts, and canoes, may not be left unattended, either afloat or on land, near any canal, navigable river, lake, or broad in Britain unless suitable precautions have been taken to render them incapable of use. Mr Eden has set up a standing committee, to consider the present administrative organisation and procedure of the War Office ana Military Commands. The committee is to make recommendations, with a view to introducing changes in the organisation and procedure as they appear necessary, in order to ensure elasticity It consists of three general officers and three business men, presided over by the Permanent Undersecretary for War. The British Sugar Corporation produced 500,000 tons of white and raw beet c- ugar, hi the year ended Marcn 31 1-om a crop from which is a record acreage yield, and in.addition, prow ea 300,000 effis of dried pu P, and 48,000 tons of saleable molasses. The trading [profit was £722,14u, compared with £383,312 last year. The Brazilian Red Cross has sent: a gift of approximately 31,000 lbs of sugar to the Red Cross and St. Jonn* war organisation, for use in the servk hospitals in Britain.