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49
Part VIII of the Act.
Outworkers.
In certain industries specified in the Act, if work is given out by employers or contractors
to be done by workers outside the factory, lists containing the names and addresses of such
workers must be forwarded to the Local Authority in February and August, with the object
of preventing work being carried out in premises which are insanitary or in which infectious
disease is present.

In twelve cases there was failure to send a list of outworkers, and this matter was dealt
with by informal action. In 45 cases work was being carried out in unwholesome premises,
and on appropriate action being taken such outwork ceased.
The number of outworkers rose from 573 in 1951 to 723 in 1952. Only one-third of the
outworkers in the Borough might be said to be regular in their employment. The remainder
take on seasonal work and often change the type of work they receive. In these circumstances
it is particularly necessary to visit as soon as possible after the lists are received from the
factories in order to secure a satisfactory standard of cleanliness, freedom from infection and to
advise as to the placing of machines, in order to get the maximum light, to avoid undue noise
and to secure proper storage of work in the home.
Homes which have a low standard of cleanliness are visited frequently and the outworkers
are warned that unless a definite improvement in hygiene is forthcoming there is a possibility
that outwork will be withdrawn for them.
A practice arose during the year of employing outworkers on the wrapping and packaging
of sweets. Successful action to prevent this was taken.
(6134) D