HC Deb 29 January 1942 vol 377 cc928-9W
Sir L. Lyle

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in connection with the regulations governing the employment of women between 20 and 30 years of age, he will state the position both of employers and would-be employees who contemplate either the offer or the application for work by direct approach to each other and not through any agency at all?

Mr. Bevin

When the Employment of Women (Control of Engagement) Order comes into force on 16th February, employers will in general be precluded from directly offering employment to women between the ages of 20 and 30 inclusive, and women between those ages will be precluded from obtaining employment by direct approach to an employer, unless the woman holds a permit from the Ministry of Labour and National Service to obtain her employment otherwise than through a Local Office of the Ministry or an approved agency. The Order does not apply to a woman who has living with her a child of hers under the age of 14 or who is a blind person. Furthermore the Order does not apply to engagements in a number of employments the principal of which are agriculture, horticulture, forestry, employment as a professional nurse for the sick, as a midwife or as a teacher at a university or recognised school.

Mr. R. Morgan

asked the Minister of Labour whether any pressure is brought to bear on employing agencies, especially those who are in touch with expert secretarial workers, not to supply any private interests with workers until the Department's requirements are met?

Mr. Bevin

No, Sir. Not hitherto. I should point out however that under the Control of Engagement Order recently made with regard to women aged 20 to 30 approved agencies will be required in the case of women between these ages to act in accordance with the Department's directions. The agencies to be approved will in general be limited to those which specialise in the placing of workers with recognised professional or technical qualifications and whose assistance is necessary to ensure that such workers are placed to the best advantage in the national interest.