ENG-1961 — Page 71

EMPLOYMENT

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the first three months, however, a fall in business, especially in the textile industry, forced the closure of several mills and caused widespread discontent among affected workers. Four strikes and one lockout resulted in the loss of 29,000 man-days but this represented less than a half of the yearly average since the Second World War. Almost three quarters of this total loss resulted from a dispute in a large rubber factory.

Gratuities customarily payable at Chinese New Year have led to many disputes in the past, but none was heard this year. Dis- cussions were held with worker delegations on the method of calculating cost of living allowances. Objections had been raised when the Retail Price Index was exceptionally low, but when sharp increases were recorded in succeeding months, those com- plaining appeared satisfied. Representations were also made to the Labour Department by workers concerned with relief during unemployment, while others discussed the provision of retirement benefits and welfare facilities. One hundred and ninety six large wage claims and 2,109 minor disputes were dealt with by the Labour Department during the year.

Redundant employees of Government, HM Dockyard and the Armed Services. A further 267 workers were discharged as re- dundant from the War Department and from the office of Naval Works, which assumed administrative control of the civilian employees of HM Dockyard after its closure in November 1959. The Employment Liaison Office continued to help find employ- ment for these and other redundant workers from HMS Tamar and the Royal Air Force. Similar assistance was offered to small groups of employees retrenched under redundancy schemes in the Urban Services Department and the Government Stores Department.

Until suitable alternative employment is found, redundant workers are provided with relief rations by the Social Welfare Department and an attempt is made to find vacancies for their children in Government schools. If any worker is found to be too ill or too old for further employment, similar help is given to his family.

A survey carried out in co-operation with the District Watch Force of the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs, showed many of those