37. Major WOODasked the Minister of Labour whether, in connection with demobilisation, steps have been or are being taken to obtain from employers of labour a nominal roll of their former employés to whom they could undertake to offer definite employment as soon as they could be spared from military service?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Mr. G. Roberts)In order to assist the working of the schemes by which men with definite employment awaiting them can be released early, action in the direction indicated by the hon. and gallant Member is being taken. Letters are being issued to employers suggesting that they should prepare particulars of men now with the Forces, whom they wish to engage immediately upon dispersal. The particulars required will be the men's names, the nature of the employment and the rate of wages offered, and also, if possible, the 2665 unit, regimental number and home address. It is not desired that these particulars should be supplied to the Ministry of Labour at present, but employers will be asked in due course to send the particulars to the Employment Exchanges on special cards which will be supplied.
Mr. TERRELLAre arrangements being made so that these releases are granted promptly, or will there be any great delay?
§ Mr. ROBERTSI am anxious that the releases should be expedited as far as practicable, and we are pursuing our course with due regard to that fact.
Major WOODDo I understand that these forms are now being issued to employers and that employers will take no further action until they receive public notification?
§ Mr. ROBERTSWe will request employers to return them as from a given date.
§ Colonel YATEWhom are the employers to address? To whom are they to send the forms?
§ Mr. ROBERTSThat will be stated on the forms. It will be to the Employment Exchanges.