ENG-1962 — Page 76

EMPLOYMENT

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attempt is made to find vacancies for their children in Government schools. A number of workers found to be too ill or too old for further employment were given grants by the Brewin Trust Fund Committee. Of a total of 6,551 redundant employees, only 290 remain registered as unemployed.

LEGISLATION

The Boilers and Pressure Receivers Ordinance, enacted in October with its subsidiary legislation, will replace the previous Steam Boilers Ordinance (Chapter 56) when it is brought into effect early in 1963. It is intended to promote the safe operation of boilers and other forms of pressure apparatus such as pressure receivers, pressure vessels, air receivers, steam containers, portable gas generators and kerosene burning pressure stoves.

The Industrial Employment (Holidays with Pay and Sickness Allowance) Ordinance and the Trade Union Registration Ordin- ance, enacted during 1961, were brought into operation on 1st April. The Industrial Employment (Holidays with Pay and Sickness Allowance) Ordinance prescribes six statutory holidays a year for all industrial workers; these are with pay if the worker has served an employer for not less than 180 days in the preceding 12 months and on not less than 20 of the 28 days preceding each statutory holiday. Qualified workers are also entitled to 12 days sick leave on half pay each year. By the end of September 1962, the ordin- ance had been in operation for more than 180 days, and its pro- visions were therefore fully effective. The Trade Union Registration Ordinance, a comprehensive revision of the existing law, is designed to facilitate the healthy development of local trade unionism. Draft legislation on the conditions of employment of women and young persons is being prepared. Further progress was made on amendments to the Workmen's Compensation Ordin- ance and the drafting of a Recruitment Bill was begun.

SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE

Industrial health. The protection of workers' health in work- places and the detection and prevention of occupational disease are the particular concern of the industrial health section of the Labour Department. Health control of working environments is