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Shop Assistants (Re-Employment)

Volume 411: debated on Thursday 7 June 1945

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6.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that ex-shop assistants returning to the employ of owners of medium-sized shops which deal in furniture, textiles, footwear and household goods, are being warned that due to present and future shortage of supplies a full working week cannot be assured them; and, in view of the legal guarantee that ex-Servicemen will have their jobs restored will he make it clear that full wages are also to be paid to all shop assistants who return to their pre-war employer or employment.

I am not aware of the issue of a warning to ex-shop assistants in the terms suggested. Apart from the statutory rights of ex-Servicemen and women under the Reinstatement in Civil Employment Act, there is no legal obligation on employers to reinstate ex-shop assistants. The question of the regulation of wages and conditions is a matter for negotiation between the parties concerned.

Does the Minister not realise that certain letters have been passed and have his officers not reported to him that small, or even medium-sized shops are sending information and warnings of the kind indicated in the Question?