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EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
This year's figures show improvement over the previous year.
From 668 enquiries 135 infringements were noted compared to the
330 infringements found in 1970. The Inspectors though, are not
complacent, as according to the type of premises inspected, a far
greater number of infringements are found in some occupations
compared to others. In 1970 enquiries in depth into the working
conditions of employees at one petrol station accounted for nearly
one third of all enquiries. Had adequate time and man power been
available to extend this type of enquiry to more such premises no
doubt similar conditions would have come to light. It is an accepted
fact that where shifts are worked at petrol stations it is rare for
employees to receive their proper rest and meal periods.
From a practical point, to prove an offence of failing to allow an
employee a lunch hour, requires two Inspectors keeping the
premises and employee under constant observation for a minimum
period of three hours plus supporting evidence to show the
employee was employed for a minimum period of six hours. The
penalty for a first offence of this type is only £1, so it is only in
cases where there is evidence of general noncompliance that time
has to be found to conduct enquiries in depth to secure a conviction
of some magnitude.
In the instance indicated in 1970 it was estimated that the cost
to the Local Authority of bringing the employer to court was in
excess of £200 of which only £70 was recovered in costs.
One incident investigated was of young girls only being allowed
a 20 minute lunch break on a Saturday. Complaint to the Company
was to no avail and legal proceedings was the only answer. As it
happened the firm were forced into bankruptcy days before the
hearing.
SUMMARY
The standard of enforcement within the Borough is high and it is
disturbing to note that in many other areas Authorities do not
discharge their Statutory duties with the same air of responsibility
as Havering.
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