HC Deb 04 December 1941 vol 376 cc1262-3
82. Major Stourton

asked the Parlia-tary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport the average daily percentage of absenteeism in Salford Docks amongst the total number of men employed there for each month, from May to October, 1941, inclusive?

Colonel Llewellin

As the answer contains a table of figures, I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

Month of 1941. Total No. of men on Register. Average Daily Total of Absentees. Percentage of Absenteeism.
May 2,513 461 18.3
June 2,522 569 22.3
July 2,650 473 17.8
August 2,638 553 20.9
September 2,622 562 21.4
October 2,642 533 20.2
Analysis:
Average Daily Register 2,604
Average daily number of men available for work 2,072
(79.5 per cent. of total strength)
Average daily number of "Absentees" 532
(20.6 per cent. of total strength)

(1) The figures quoted do not indicate the number of men who are absent by reason of sickness, accident, etc., or the physical inability of aged and infirm dockers to complete every week a full week's work. To arrive at a correct appreciation of the absentee position, allowances must be made for the reasons for absence, particularly if comparisons are to be drawn with other industries.

(2) Of the average number of 532 daily absentees, 206 are justifiably taking the day off in lieu of Sunday work since over the period in question an average of 1,135 men have put in a full day's work on Sunday and are entitled to take a day off during the ensuing five and one half day week.

Excluding such absentees, the daily average is reduced from 532 to 326, or 12.5 per cent, of the total.

(3) Dock workers have to work in all weathers and their health suffers in consequence, particularly if they are over middle age. There are 440 men over 60 on the register at Manchester, and the average age is between 47 and 48. In budgeting for the labour position the Sub-Committee of the Port Registration Committee has accepted the figure of a daily average of 200 absent due to illness, accidents, etc.

The daily absentee figure is therefore to be reduced by a further 200 from 326 to 126, less than 5 per cent. of the total.