PAID HOLIDAYS

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXXII, Issue 4640, 16 May 1938, Page 2

PAID HOLIDAYS

GROWTH IN BRITAIN. THE RUSH TO RESORTS. London, April 13. English seaside resorts will be more crowded during the summer season this year than ever before. Unlike in New Zealand, holidays with pay have hitherto been the exception rather than the ' rule for manual workers. But during the past 12 months the principle of paid holidays has made very rapid progress, and it is estimated that 3,000,000 men and women will receive the privilege for the first time this year.

This unprecedented increase will cause a rush to holiday resorts which will dwarf the business done during Coronation year. In the past many of those who have received unpaid holidays- have been able to make little use of them for lack of money, but this year will see a big change. Even now approximately 12,000,000 people will not receive paid holidays, but the larger industries are adopting the principle rapidly. The time allowed in various trades will vary from three days to twelve days, with 14 to 21 days in a few instances.

Many firms have begun holiday funds to enable their staffs to save enough money to enjoy a real vacation. In the boot and shoe trade, employees contribute equally with employers, men paying Is 2d a week and women and young workers less. A similar scheme is in operation at Leicester in the lambs’ wool and worsted yarns spinning industry, the highest contribution . being 6d a week.

Railway companies, seaside resorts and travel agencies are making special efforts to cater for the holiday rush. Attention is being given to persuading schools and employers to “stagger” holidays, and to an extension of the season.

A Longer Spread.

Much publicity is being given to the advantages of early holidays. The height of the season at present is during August and September, and efforts are being made to persuade people that June and July, when the days are longer, are even better holiday months. Many seaside resorts are preparing a full programme of attractions and entertainments extending right through from Easter until October.

An official of the Railway Companies Association said recently:— “The last word will probably rest with the industrial firms and large employers, who, if they decide to spread the holidays, will cause the schools to fall into line or prepare for a fall in attendances during the early summer months.” The Minister of Labour, Mr. E. Brown, has hinted at Government action to assist in spreading the holiday period and to alleviate congestion at the height of the season. Although the political situation has caused many cancellations of bookings to Austrian resorts, the overseas travel agencies are receiving more advance inquiries than ever before. Many inquiries have come from employers who contemplate organising parties from among their workers. One agency has already had to “stagger” its departures for the Continent during the height of the season because the regular departure dates have already been fully booked. -

With the favourable exchange rates now ruling for the franc and other Continental currencies, very cheap all-inclusive European tours are being offered. Examples are four days on the Belgian coast for £2 19s 6d, a nine-day tour of Switzerland for £6 4s 6d, a seven-day trip to Paris for £6 Is 3d, and a 17-day guided rail and walking tour through the Black Forest district of Germany for £9 2s 6d.