ACUTE LABOUR SHORTAGE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 9 April 1945, Page 3

ACUTE LABOUR SHORTAGE

WELLINGTON AND HUTT VALLEY Wellington, Apl. 7. Labour shortages in Wellington are reported to be more acute than ever, and the manpower authorities have a heavy job in front of them. The i>ofiition is stated definitely to nave slipped back since the beginning of the year. There are over 3000 vacancies waiting to be filled in essential industries in the Wellington city and Hull areas. Notwithstanding a stringent review which has been carried out. the figures in respect of labour shortages have increased. There ire 1082 vacant positions awaiting male workers in the Wellington and Huff areas. 1242 of them being regarded as of the highest priority. Vacancies for females in essential industry total 1000. and of these 582 are calls of urgency. Clothing and tobacco factories arc llie worst off. but there are empty, places at man\ workshop benches. Office desks, too, ar<* idle, because there are insufficient clerical workers. Hotels and restaurants suffer for want of waitresses and housemaids. There is still a staff shortage in mental and other hospitals.