ABSENCE FROM WORK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25740, 11 January 1945, Page 4

ABSENCE FROM WORK

POSITION AFTER HOLIDAYS SOME IMPROVEMENT SHOWN (Special) WELLINGTON. Jan. 10. A preliminary review of absenteeism among the stalls of several large Wellington industrial concerns employing mostly women or girls following the resumption of work after the holidays reveals some improvement on the position which has obtained in the past two years. Whereas then practically all firms reported considerable staff shortages, this year in a survey over 12 major employing establishments half reported the positimi to be bad and the remainder practically normal. It is known that transport difficulties were among the main reasons _ for absence, and many firms received numerous telegrams indicating inability to be back on time. The cases where absenteeism was bad were in large establishments employing mainly women. One reported a 20 per cent, shortage—higher than last year. Another firm, one of the largest employers of female labour in the Wellington district, was down 33 per cent, on Tuesday and 25 per cent, yesterday, and a third reported a shortage of up to 40 per cent, among the female workers and about -15 per cent, among the males. A fourth employer, who is noted for his consideration towards his staff, was rewarded by four key workers being absent, which threW his plant into a state of semi-idleness. . Where the position was practically normal there appeared to have been some.inducement to return on time, such as a bonus. One firm organised the holiday arrangements to suit the wishes of staff, including the return journeys. Another firm advised that, contrary to the experience of last year, there had been a big improvement in delinquents, or people who absented themselves without leave. Illness accounted for other absences, but the firm was satisfied that these were genuine.