SUBSIDIZED WORK

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 153, 24 March 1939, Page 11

SUBSIDIZED WORK

Position After April 1

SPECIAL REVENUES NOT AVAILABLE End Of Employment Promotion Fund The need for having men hitherto employed on subsidized jobs tinder scheme 13 transferred into selfsupporting employment was emphasized yesterday by the Minister of Labour, Mr. Webb. He pointed out that the revenues hitherto paid into the Employment Promotion Fund would, after April 1, go to the Social Security Fund, and that in future money for subsidizing employment would have to be provided from general taxation. "At the end of this month the Employment Promotion Fund conies to an end. and its .passing virtually marks the end of what might be described, as the temporary phase in the promotion of employment and the building up of the purchasing power of the people, said Mr. Webb. “Now irll efforts must be directed to expanding industry and getting the men hitherto employed on subsidized jobs with local bodies and Others transferred into self-supporting employment augmenting the production of our primary and secondary industries.”

Mr. Webb said that for some time the Labour Department has been in discussion with the New Zealand, manufacturers and others with a view to arranging a mutually acceptable plan under which suitable male adults might be trained and enabled to take a full place in the field of industry and commerce. Co-operation Wanted. “A further meeting is to be held in the next few days,” he said, “and it is hoped that all parties concerned will bring to that meeting the spirit of co-operation and the will to solve this difficult problem, thereby advancing the real interests of all concerned. “With the switching of the special revenues, hitherto earmarked for employment promotion, to the Social Security Fund, any funds required for subsidizing employment will have to be provided from general taxation, and it is clear that the amount that can be made available during next financial year will be much less than was available for the current year. “Scheme 13 has served its purpose and with the drive now being undertaken to get men into industry, the scheme must be closed down as quickly as other employment can be found for the men concerned. Where necessary the Labour Department will discuss with local bodies and other arrangements for a temporary continuation of the scheme beyond March 31. “A review of works in hand previously approved is 'being undertaken and employing authorities will be communicated with concerning these works as soon as possible. Rending such communication employing authorities may continue operations on approved works beyond March 31.”