H.—9.

UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS. The following figures show the number of applications for unemployment benefits received during the year ended 31st March, 1941, and the manner in which they were disposed of : —

As at 31st March, 1941, there were 1,735 males and 171 females in receipt of unemployment benefits, a decrease of 2,008 males and 139 females over the figures as at 31st March, 1940.

Statement showing for the Year ended 31st March, 1941, Duration of Unemployment for Males and Females according to Age-groups.

The above schedule discloses that nearly 42 per cent, of male beneficiaries had periods of unemployment of less than four weeks, while 39 per cent, were unemployed for periods varying from four to thirteen weeks. The largest group of female beneficiaries is covered by the 4-13 weeks group, being 43-4 per cent, of females who received benefit. In the age-grouping the largest number of persons is found in the group 30-39 years (inclusive) as regards males, while the largest group for females is 16-19 years (inclusive). Outside the four main centres this Department undertakes the activities of the State Placement Service, and as a condition precedent to the receipt of unemployment benefit it is obligatory on all applicants to register at and keep in touch with the State Placement Service so that the incentive to obtain employment is maintained and unemployment benefit is not continued for longer periods than are necessary. The total expenditure for the year amounted to £299,161, as against £434,497 for the preceding year, a decrease of £135,336. SICKNESS BENEFITS. The following figures show the number of applications for sickness benefits received during the year ended 31st March, 1941, and how tliey were disposed of—■

As at 31st March, 1941, there were 2,477 males and 975 females in receipt of sickness benefit, an increase of 560 males and 327 females over the figure at the end of March, 1940.

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Males. Females. Total. ( Persons granted benefit .. .. .. .. .. 21,720 1,191 22,911 Number of applications declined .. .. .. .. 10,199 1,010 11,209 Number of persons whose applications were declined, but who 557 958 1,515 were granted emergency benefits on the grounds of hardship Total applications .. .. .. .. .. 32,476 3,159 35,635

Years Years Years Years Years Years r r/ . fola Period of 1(5 to 19, 20 to 29 - 30 to 39 * 40 to 49> 50 to 59, 60 and over * Grand Unemployment. : Total. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. J .. ! Less than-4 weeks .. 207 163 2,656 164 2,790 35 1,953 26 1,927 20 251 .. 9,784 408 10,192 4 weeks but less than 229 246 2,264 222 2,274 57 1,960 55 1,991 52 406 5 9,124 637 9,761 13 weeks 13 weeks but less than 53 88 472 84 495 43 541 27 767 30 171 4 2,499 276 2,775 26 weeks 26 weeks to 52 weeks 17 23 256 40 289 32 346 19 928 30 114 3 1,950 147 2,097 (inclusive) Totals .. 506 520 5,648 510 5,848 167 4,800 127 5,613 132 942 12 23,357 1,468 24,825

Males. Females. Totals. Persons granted benefit .. .. .. .. .. 17,189 6,236 23,425 Number of applications declined .. .. .. .. 1,997 958 2,955 Number of persons whose applications were declined, but who were 186 309 495 granted emergency benefits on the grounds of hardship Total applications .. .. .. .. .. 19,372 7,503 26,875