asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state the number of boot and shoe factories which are presently obliged to work short-time; the number of operatives involved; and the extent and duration of the short-time working.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Boot and Shoe Factory Operations.
17.
For the purpose of the administration of the schemes of unemployment benefit and unemployment assistance, my Department receives from local offices monthly returns regarding firms whose workers have been either suspended or placed on systematic short-time by reason of shortage of supplies or similar causes. The latest returns which have been summarised are those for 19th February, 1971, when the number of boot and shoe factories reported upon was three, of which two were operating systems of short-time working consisting of three days "on" and three days "off". The third firm was also on short-time but there was no consistent pattern. The total number of workers involved in the three factories was 153. Short-time working in the three firms had lasted for about three months up to 19th February, 1971.
Am I to take it that the figures to which the Minister refers are in respect of operatives who work not less than three days a week and the Minister has no information in respect of operatives who work, perhaps, four days a week who are not granted a full week's pay? Am I to take it the Minister's figures do not include these categories?
I would know only about those who qualify and apply for unemployment benefit.
On a three-day basis?
Yes.