§ 41. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Minister of Social Security if she is aware that under short-time working 22 conditions the system of paying unemployment benefits on a day's unemployed basis worked to the disadvantage of night workers in many industries where their normal week was usually condensed into five shifts as compared with the six-shift week of day workers with the same total hours; and if she will take steps to offset this disadvantage.
§ Miss HerbisonThe shortest period of unemployment for which unemployment benefit is provided consists of two days occurring within a week. Whether a worker on short time can qualify for benefit therefore depends upon the incidence of the days when he is off work; but the rules apply equally to day workers and night workers.
§ Mr. RobertsIs the Minister aware that there is very real concern about this in some industries which are affected by short-time working, like Vauxhall Motors at Luton? Does she not feel that at the present time an hourly basis could be used to replace the present daily basis, because in any case the figures of entitlement for unemployment benefit are calculated now by computer?
§ Miss HerbisonI would only say that sufficient difficulties arise when we calculate it on a daily basis without turning over to calculating it on an hourly basis. My hon. Friend will be aware that in the Act passed earlier this year, we have set down a date in 1969 when no unemployment benefit will be paid for short-time working, since we believe that it is the responsibility of industry to take care of its workers during periods of short-time working.