Manufacturing Industries (Vacancies and Under-Employment)

HC Deb 26 July 1966 vol 732 cc230-1W

Mr. Maude

asked the Minister of Labour what is the Government's estimate of the shortage of labour, in terms of unfilled industrial vacancies for labour; and what estimate the Government have made of the degree of under-employment in British industry.

Mr. Gunter

The number of vacancies notified by employers to Employment Exchanges and Youth Employment Offices in Great Britain remaining unfilled on 6th July, 1966 was about 455,000:

• 158,000 for men.
• 137.000 for women.
• 78,000 for boys.
• 81,000 for girls.

There were about 193,000 vacancies in manufacturing industries. In the week ending 21st May, about 33,000 operatives in manufacturing industries were on short-time on average losing 8 hours per week. Estimates of other forms of underemployment are not made.