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33
Half Holiday for Shop Assistants.
Every shop assistant in every class of shop must be allowed a
half-holiday once a week commencing not later than 1.30 p.m.
The rule applies whether a shop is required to be closed for a weekly
half-holiday or not.
Meal Times.
Dinner.— If the hours of employment include the hours from
11.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m., each assistant must be allowed an interval
of three-quarters of an hour within that time if the meal is taken on
the premises, or an interval of a full hour within that time if the
meal is taken off the premises.
Tea.—If the hours of employment include the hours from 4 p.m.
to 7 p.m., each assistant must be allowed an interval of half-an-hour
within that time.
No assistant shall be employed for more than six hours (five
hours if under 18) without an interval of at least 20 minutes being
allowed during the course thereof.
Shops Act, 1934, and Young Persons Employment Act, 1936.
Regular investigations and inspections were made in connection
with these Acts, and it has been ascertained that the conditions of
employment have improved, both as to hours of employment of
young persons, and the arrangements made for the health and comfort
of shop workers generally. Many complaints were received of
assistants suffering severely from cold during the restrictions on
heating of shops last winter, which caused a good deal of absenteeism.
462 special visits were made in connection with the enforcement
of these Acts.
Shops (Sunday Trading Restriction) Act, 1936.
The provisions of this Act are effectively carried out by means
of systematic investigations and observations. It is satisfactory to
note that shopkeepers appreciate having a day's rest each week,
and very few shops now open on Sundays in Tottenham.