§ Mr. Kennedyasked the Minister of Labour when a definite announcement may be expected regarding the dates, duration and scope of industrial holidays during this year?
§ Mr. TomlinsonMy hon. Friend will probably have already seen the announcement in the Press, the terms of which I append
In present circumstances, it is more than ever necessary that the maximum output of munitions should be maintained. There must be no relaxation of effort, but in order that the national effort may be continued at the fullest stretch, it is essential that moderate and well-planned holiday breaks should be allowed. The Government accordingly desire to give the following general advice with regard to the holiday arrangements that should be made in industry in the coming year, subject always to the emergencies of the war situation, and to the urgency of particular requirements for output.The customary annual holiday so far as it docs not exceed one week should in general be taken, and there should be for most workers a one day break on Easter Monday, Whit-Monday, and the August Bank Holiday (in Scotland corresponding holidays, fixed in accordance with local arrangements), with two days at Christmas or New Year. The Government regret that they must ask that; as last year, there should be no cessation of work on Good Friday. The Government expect that workers receiving these holidays will be regular in their attendance at work at other times, and will not extend the holiday period or absent themselves from work without leave or reasonable excuse. It is most important that the annual holidays should be carefully planned, and in general spread over the period between the beginning of April and the Autumn, so as to maintain the smooth flow of production and avoid undue pressure on transport services at particular periods.In coal mining and possibly in other industries, it may be desirable that the annual holiday should be taken later in the year. Travel by transport services should be reduced to the minimum, and the Government hope that, as last year, recreational and other attractions near home will be organised wherever possible. Managements of industrial and other undertakings are urged to begin immediately the planning of holiday arrangements in consultation with their workpeople's representatives, and with associations or groups of employers in the same or allied industries or 526W localities. They should consider the extent to which holidays can be 'staggered' as between individuals or establishments, and what will be the best opportunities for overhauling plant. Payment for holidays, or payment for work done on days which would ordinarily be holidays, should be governed by existing law: or any provisions relating to this matter as laid down in existing agreements, or as modified by agreement with the Trade Union concerned, or Branch thereof, to suit particular arrangements that may be made.