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(b) General Observations
The specialised attention given to registration and initial inspection during formative
years of the new legislation accounted for practically 100% of the business premises in the
Borough falling within the scope of the Act. A district survey carried out during 1968 to
check the business premises register has shown that the pattern of business occupation is
continually changing, due to slum clearance and redevelopment, the establishment of new
businesses and others closing down or changing hands, or falling outside the scope of the Act
by reason of a reduction in the number of hours worked. A practice has also come to light
whereby subordinate employees such as salesman or representatives have been said to be
"self employed". Recent legislation has been introduced to deal with this abuse.
As compliance with the requirement to register premises is seldom effected on an occupiers
own initiative but only after one or more written communications and a visit by an Inspector,
follow up procedure will have to be a continuous process to keep abreast of the problem of
non-registration and initial inspections.
Other activity under the Act during the year has been devoted to enforcement of the
requirements of notices previously served and a large number of re-inspections have been
made. It is gratifying to report that owners and occupiers are becoming increasingly aware
of their responsibilities under the Act and are showing willingness to co-operate with the
local authority in remedying any instances of non compliance with recommendations made by
inspectors. Many employers, have in fact, raised their standards above those required by
statute and quite often advice is sought prior to the setting up of new businesses.
The small minority who have shown reluctance to meet their obligations have either
been prosecuted or warned accordingly, full details of which are given later in the report.
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