§ 52. Miss WILKINSONasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the pressure under which the staffs of the Employment Exchanges have been working for many months past, he can make arrangements for some alleviation in order to prevent undue strain on the health of the staff?
§ Mr. BETTERTONArrangements already exist for the prompt adjustment of staff to meet increase of work While I fully recognise that the staff have been unavoidably required to perform a heavy task, I cannot accept the view that the Exchanges are inadequately staffed for their work. Machinery exists for discussion with the staff of particular cases and of the matter generally, and the Department is always prepared to give prompt consideration to representations with regard to alleged staffing difficulties.
§ Miss WILKINSONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the situation has become so serious that a letter has been circulated among Members of this House, pointing out that some are working till midnight, and taking work home for Sunday, and can he say why this state of affairs is allowed to exist?
§ Mr. BETTERTONAs stated in the answer, my right hon. Friend does not think that the arrangements on the whole are inadequate. It is quite true that at the beginning of June there was considerable overtime work, but that amount of overtime has been diminishing ever since.