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45
Women
A high number of women were employed in the various industries
and generally gave a good account of themselves, as compared with
men. However, it was agreed that despite good service that on
the whole there was always the greater liability to absenteeism in
the case of women. This occurred not so much through personal
illness as through illness in other members of the family or other
purely domestic reasons, e.g. being at home to let the sweep in.
Naturally, married women were susceptible to such considerations
to a greater degree than the unmarried.
Young Persons
Young persons were found to be generally scattered through
the various trades and there was not sufficient grouping of them
in particular occupations to call for any special comments.
Accidents among young persons were very low but it was found that
where 1 arge numbers of young persons were employed together, accident
rates went up this being due to 1ack of experience and "sky larking"
attitude of many of them. It seems that young persons scattered
in with more experienced workers are given a better chance for
gaining sound experience and a more responsible attitude.
Aged Persons
The older group of employees carried out very useful work.
Those who had to leave their previous occupation for less arduous
tasks adapted themselves well. Most however, were able to continue
in their former occupation and to bring their experience and skill
to bear in an exemplary fashion. One firm continued to employ 15
men well over pensionable age, and this was to the benefit of all
concerned each was a well respected personality and their work
was of interest and pleasure. It was found that elderly female
persons were employed in comparatively large numbers in laundries.
Disabled Persons
The numbers encountered were small i.e. 1-3% of the total
factory population. However, in factories employing more than 20
persons (that is those factories required by statute to take a
percentage of disabled persons) the figure is l.9%. The statutory
percentage is 3%.