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It is hoped that the Committee appointed by the Government
to report on Sunday observance will arrive at a solution satisfactory
to everyone concerned, particularly in the field of Sunday
trading and employment.
(e) Young Persons
The employment of young persons has received considerable
attention throughout the year, many spot visits taking place in
the evenings and on Sundays. In several cases young persons were
working outside the hours specified by the employer in the
prescribed notice, there was no evidence of exceeding the maximum
working hours. However, employers were advised of the
consequences for a failure to keep proper records of the hours
worked by the persons concerned. It has been found that where
longer hours are to be worked or where there is a deprivation
of the meal break, it is the young person on whom this is imposed.
Not all young persons are capable of standing up for their rights,
some are timid or even scared. The meal interval is very
important. Another point which causes deep concern and over
which the inspector has no authority, is the practice of some
employers leaving a young person in charge of a shop. Information
can be obtained without a challenge of identity, they are an easy
prey for the trickster and thug, this should be made an offence.
Under these circumstances, though one has every right to do so,
I make it a practice never to enter the premises beyond the shop
counter but complete my enquiries another day when an older
person is present. The public are trusting, it is on very rare
occasions that I am asked to produce my "Certificate of Appointment
"especially when visiting premises for the first time.
During the year a talk was given to the Romford and District
Chamber of Commerce on "The Law and the Shopkeeper."
10. MEANS OF ESCAPE IN CASE OF FIRE
Authoritively, many conflagrations resulting in serious loss
of life could have been avoided by the observance of common
sense rules and the carrying out to the letter of legal requirements.
One weak link in a chain of otherwise reasonably good provisions
for safely may lead to disaster.
It is with this in view that during the past year endeavours
have been made to bring to the notice of the public Section 59
of the Public Health Act, 1936, which provides for the provision
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