EMPLOYMENT AFTER THE WAR

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 7 January 1944, Page 3

EMPLOYMENT AFTER THE WAR

PLANNING URGED BY PUBLIC SERVANTS Sydney. I>ec. 15. A group of New South Wales public servants has prepared a in which the Federal Government is urged to start surveys immediately to determine post-war fields of employment. The report says that advanced planning should be carried out to ensure that there will be no haphazard demobilisation or cessation of employment in war-time industry without guaranteed jobs. The report is not an official expression of opinion by any union or association of Slate Government employees, but was prepared after discussion among a number of public servants, and was later endorsed by a representative meeting. Pointing out that there are about 887,000 men and women in the services. and 556.000 workers in war industries. the report says: “It seems essential that the powers of the Commonwealth Parliament, should be enlarged to enable it to provide adequately for the reinstatement in civil life of members of the fighting services. and for the transfer of workers from war-time to peace-time industries. We demand guaranteed employment for all after th'e war. and not preferences grudgingly granted to returned soldiers. Where difficulties of finding employment are encountered ad%)uate maintenance must be provided. “The Government should make a survey of fields of employment likely to be available after the war. and should extend the present educational scheme within the Army. In planning any post-war public works programmes. all the data, experience, and ability in the Public Service will have to be fully tapped. Not merely departmental heads, but every Public Service employee, will have to be mobilised in this important work.”