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19
It will be seen that unemployment has remained at a
comparatively low level throughout the year. During February
inclemental weather affected the building industry for about three
weeks when approximately 70 local workers were stood off
temporarily. The March figures include 23 workers who were
affected by a dispute in the printing industry. From March
onwards unemployment declined until June when the lowest figure
since 1945 was recorded. Since June there has been a slight but
steady increase in the numbers registered as unemployed.
The increase among men during the latter months of the year
was almost entirely due to a number of Painters becoming unemployed
as a result of a seasonal decline in the decorating side of
the building industry. Apart from these workers, unemployment
among men has been generally confined to professional and
executive classes, older clerical workers and to disabled persons.
Able-bodied skilled and unskilled manual workers have been
quickly placed in employment.
The increase in the number of women registered as unemployed
during the latter half of the year has been in the main due to
women returning to the employment field and for whom there were
no suitable jobs available. Among women, unemployment has
been generally confined to clerical and shop workers in the higher
age groups and to women who require work for restricted hours
owing to domestic responsibilities.
Full use has been made during the year of the facilities
available for Industrial Rehabilitation at the Waddon Unit in
suitable cases. 12 men and 10 women were recommended for
the course and some successful results have been achieved. In
one case of a middle aged man who had held a responsible executive
position until 1953. when a break-down in health occurred and he
had done very little work since then, he was persuaded to undertake
the course and on completion was placed in employment where he
has reasonable opportunities for the future. In the case of a
middle aged women who had done very little work since 1949 as
a result of a break-down in health, following a short course at the
Unit in March, she has been regularly employed since. Four of
the men followed the course by Vocational Training in a skilled
trade.