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The Shops Act, 1934, which came into operation on the
30th December, 1934, has added considerably to the work of
the Local Authority, particularly in connection with the employment
of "young persons."
An additional duty has been placed upon the Local
Sanitary Authority by Section 10 which deals with the
health and comfort of shop workers. This section requires
the provision of sufficient and suitable sanitary conveniences,
washing facilities, etc.
In order to comply with the Act it is necessary for a
complete inspection to be made of all shops in the district.
Every effort is being made to complete the survey as soon as
possible.
On the 14th July, 1937, two additional Acts, the Shops Act,
1936, and the Retail Meat Dealers' Shops (Sunday Closing)
Act, 1936, received the Royal Assent. The former provides
for the application of the Shops Acts, 1912 to 1934 to premises
and places where the business of lending books or periodicals
is carried on for purposes of gain. The second Act provides,
subject to certain exceptions, for the compulsory closing of
retail meat trading shops and stalls on Sundays.
These Acts came into operation on the first day of
January, 1937.
The Shops (Sunday Trading Restriction) Act, 1936,
received the Royal Assent on 31st July, 1936. It became
operative as from 1st May, 1937.
The Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1938, received the
Royal Assent on 29th July, 1938, and came into operation on
1st January, 1939.
Part I of this Act contains provisions for regulating the
hours of young persons employed in certain occupations which
have not hitherto been subject to regulations of this kind.
Part II contains certain amendments to the Shops Acts.
In the main this Act is to be administered by local
Authorities, but in the case of certain occupations the duty
is undertaken by H.M. Inspector of Factories and H.M.
Inspector of Mines.
In consequence of these new Acts it has been necessary
to completely revise our system of Records.
Many employers are experiencing difficulty in understanding
the numerous provisions of the Acts, and consequently the
advice of the Departments' Officers is frequently sought.
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