ABSENTEEISM IN BRITAIN

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27396, 8 July 1954, Page 14

ABSENTEEISM IN BRITAIN

University Research Into Cause

(Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.) • (Rec. 8 p.m.) LONDON, July 7. Scientists at Birmingham University plan to spend £4OOO finding out why people stay away from work, says the “News Chronicle.”

Preliminary research into the subject shows that Britain has a high rate of avoidable absences—especially on Mondays. A report issued by a university research team says that unskilled tjr semi-skilled workers have the worst record for Monday attendances, the reason being that unskilled men often have poor conditions, arduous work, and no sense of belonging to a team.

Fatigue, strain and general tired-, ness all play a part in absenteeism. So does conscientiousness. A group of 25 women teachers had an insignificant absence rate “in spite of bad conditions, overcrowing, and noise from a nearby railway and main road. But the teachers had a much higher degree of conscientiousness than factory workers.” The report suggests that a sense of security caused by full employment may be the reason for the high rate of voluntary absence.