H—9

Statement showing for the Year ended 31st March, 1947, Duration of Unemployment for Males and Females according to Age-groups

The above schedule discloses that nearly 46 per cent, of male beneficiaries had periods of unemployment varying from four to thirteen weeks, while 31 per cent, were unemployed for periods of less than four weeks. The largest group of female beneficaries is covered by the 4-13 weeks group, being nearly 33 per cent, of females who received benefit. In the age-grouping the largest number of persons is found in the group 50-59 years (inclusive) as regards males, while the largest group for females is 20-29 years (inclusive). SICKNESS BENEFITS

The following figures show the number of sickness benefits dealt with during the years ended 31st March, 1946, and 31st March, 1947, respectively: —

During the year the number of sickness benefits granted totalled 36,711, an increase of approximately 20 per cent, over the previous year's grants. There were 4,273 grants current at 31st March, 1947, and expenditure for the year amounted to £853,328, an increase of £287,908 over the previous year.

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Years Years Years Years 16 to 19. 20 to 29. 30 to 39. 40 to 49. Period of Unemployment. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. Less than 4 weeks 6 3 58 8 77 6 60 1 4 weeks but less than 13 weeks 7 12 55 9 95 9 94 4 13 weeks but less than 26 weeks 5 3 8 7 24 4 47 3 26 weeks to 52 weeks (inclusive) 1 2 8 8 10 11 8 9 Totals 19 20 129 1 32 206 30 209 17 Years Years 50 to 59. 60 and over. Totals. Grand Period of Unemployment. Total. M. jr. M. F. sf. F. Less than 4 weeks ,. . 63 5 269 18 287 4 weeks but less than 13 weeks 119 3 22 392 37 429 13 weeks but less than 26 weeks 51 3 8 1 143 21 164 26 weeks to 52 weeks (inclusive) 25 5 4 1 56 36 92 Totals 258 11 39 2 860 112 972

1945-46. 1946-47. Males. Females. Totals. Males. Females. Totals. Persons granted benefit Number of applications declined Number of persons whose applications were declined, but who were granted emergency benefits on grounds of hardship 22,493 2,159 111 8,154 1,076 331 30,647 3,235 442 28,232 3,646 246 8,479 1,449 434 36,711 5,095 680 Totals 24,763 9,561 34,324 32,124 10,362 42,486