H—lla

group were retail shops employing 42,039 persons in the units covered in 1939, and wholesale merchants, importers, and cool-stores employing 12,387. In October, 1945, the numbers were 41,987 and 11,747 respectively, the percentages of females employed increasing from 45 per cent, and 23 per cent, respectively in 1939 to 48 per cent, and 25 per cent, in 1945. The change was more marked in the case of banks, insurance companies, and similar institutions. In the establishments surveyed in this group out of a total staff remaining constant at about 7,000, females made up 15 per cent, in 1939 and 41 per cent, in 1945. Employers in wholesale, retail, and financial establishments indicated that in their probable future requirements for staff, female labour would play an even larger part. (xii) Growth of Secondary Industries Retarded 426. An outstanding feature of the secondary manufacturing industries is the rapid recovery in numbers employed, after the setback encountered by many of these industries in the early years of the war. By October, 1945, each of the groups surveyed had increased its staff above the pre-war figure. The usual increase in numbers of females was observed, but the distinctive feature of the group was the general increase in numbers of males. The following table shows the extent of the increase in numbers employed in 1945 over the pre-war totals :

427. While the numbers employed have in every case increased, it is important that the effects of war upon secondary industries should not be minimized. These industries were increasing rapidly in pre-war years, and in the five-years prior to the outbreak of war the numbers employed increased by 37 per cent., as compared with the 7-per-cent. increase over the six war years. 428. Food, Drink, and Tobacco. —In the food, drink, and tobacco industries the exceptions to the upward movement are in the biscuit and confectionery industry and in tobacco and cigarette making. Supply difficulties and the reduced numbers of workers available arising out of the non-essential nature of portions of the biscuit and confectionery industry led to a 29-per-cent. reduction in total staff over the war years—the male staff decreased by 18 per cent., as against a reduction of 37 per cent, in female staff. Employers' estimates indicate a probable return to 1939 levels in the post-war years. 429. In the tobacco and cigarette making industry, a small increase in males employed was offset by a reduction in females, the resultant reduction in the total number employed amounting to 4 per cent. Indications are given that the post-war female staff will probably be increased by at least 30 per cent., accompanied by a further small increase in males. If these expectations are realized, the post-war staff will be 27 per cent, higher than in 1939, with" males and females roughly in the same proportions. 430. Clothing, Textiles, and Leather. —The increase of 12 per cent in numbers employed in the clothing and textile and leather industries is significant of the post-war buoyancy of this group. Only one industry —fur coats and necklets—employed smaller

78

Industries. Numbers employed—Males plus Females. Pre-wax. October, 1945. Percentage Increase. Food, drink, and tobacco Clothing, textiles, and leather Engineering, motor engineering, and allied Other secondary manufacturing 33,715 27,187 26,176 27,732 35,400 30,395 27,572 29,544 5 12 5 7 114,810 122,911 7