CHANGE PROPOSED

Hokitika Guardian, 9 November 1932, Page 5

CHANGE PROPOSED

DOLE IN BRITAIN

INSURANCE OF UNEMPLOYED.

(British Official Wireless )

RUGBY, November 7,

Th e final report of the Unemployment Insurance Commission which is expected to form the basis of legislation in th© Parliamentary l ' ses v ion, which begins on November 22, was issued to-night. Hoe Chairman (Judge Holman Gregory) .and four members signed the main report, and there in a minority report signed by. two other members, but the recommendations of the Commission on many'points are unanimous. The majority’s proposals aim at saving over fourteen millions, including a reduction in the dole of between threepence and a .shilling .a week, chiefly recipients under twenty-, one, but increasing the. period wherein the dole is obtainable. The scheme iis at present ill debt 115 millions, costing £3,6000,000. The Commission warmly commend the existing scfietnesj official and voluntary. for providing the young unemployed With vocational training and urge that this b© developed, It says the insurance scheme must possess flexibility in order to permit adjustment of an independent statutory commission cs an advisory body to the 'Minister of Labour, and to keep the scheme constantly under review'.

This body would report annually on the finances of th e scheme, and make suggestions for keeping the insurance fund solvent and self-sustaining. Local authorities assistance to the unemployed should be subject to proof of need. . An applicant should be judged after the assessment of the resources of the household ,of which he is a member.

The payment must be less than the wages standards to be establish©®, those which experience shows to be required to relieve the need. The mam proposals are, briefly: A dual system of insurance and relief. An insured worker who had paid the minimum number of contributions, to b© entitled to a fixed payment for a limited time without inquiry into his needs. Workers not insured, including thorn over the income limit of £250 per annum, and insured workers, /who have exhausted their insurance rights, should be relieved according to their needs, under a. relief service- administered by local authorities, and supervised by the Minister of Labour.

The retention is recommended of the unemployment insurance scheme, substantially On the lines of that at present in force, as the first Idle oi clef eric© for th© great Majority of Unemployed, such scheme, together with the unemployment assistance scheme they .propose, should be linked up with the arrangements for training in occupation of th©. unemployed,

The main cost of the new service should be borne by the Exchequer, but local authorities should contribute a share, as they must have a financial interest in their divisions.

The Ministry of Labour should be responsible for the control and development of the new service, maintaining, through unemployment exchanges, .contact between persons affected by Hie service and opportunities for employment and also for ensuring that the test of need is administered in accordance with uniform principle.? throughout the country.