EMPLOYMENT POLICY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 97, 24 March 1939, Page 9

EMPLOYMENT POLICY.

SUBSIDISED SCHEAIES. LESS REVENUE AVAILABLE. AYELLINGTON, March 24. The need for having men hitherto employed on subsidised jobs under Scheme 13 transferred into self-sup-porting employment was emphasised yesterday by the Minister of Labour (Hon. B. C. AYebb). He pointed out that the revenues hitherto paid into the Employment Promotion Fund would, after April ]. go to the Social Security Fund, and that in future money for subsidising employment would have to be provided from general taxation.

‘At the end of this month the Employment Promotion Fund comes to an end, and its passing virtually marks the end of what might he described as the temporary phase in the promotion of employment and the building up of the purchasing power of the people,” said Air AYebb. “Now all efforts must he directed to expanding industry and getting the men hitherto employed on subsidised jobs with local bodies and others transferred into self-supporting employment augmenting the production of our primary and secondary industries.” Mr AYebb said that, for some time the Labour Department bad been in discussion with the New Zealand manufacturers and others with a view to arranging a mutually accejitable plan under which suitable male adults might he trained and enabled to take a full place in the field of industry and commerce. CO-OBERATION SOUGHT. “A further meeting is to be held in the next few days.” the Minister said, “and it is hoped that all parties concerned will bring to that meeting the spirit of co-operation and the will to solve this difficult problem, thereby advancing the real interests of all concerned. “AVitli tbe switching of the special revenues, hitherto earmarked for employment promotion. to the _ Social Security Fund, any" funds required for subsidising employment will have to he provided from general taxation, ambit is clear that the amount that can be made available during next financial year will bo much less than was available for tbe current year. “Scheme 13 has served its purpose and with the drive now being undertaken to got men into industry the scheme must he closed down ns Quickly as other employment can he found for the men concerned. AA rhcre_necessary the Labour Donartmont will discuss with local bodies and others arrangements for a temporary continuation of the scheme beyond March 31. “A review of works in band previously approved is being undertaken and "employing authorities will he communicated with concerning these works as soon as possible. Pending such communication employing authorities may continue operations on approved works beyond March 31.”