Day 118 - 01 May 95 - Page 71


     
     1   MR. MORRIS:  So when you have recruitment problems, in that
     2        situation you brought in inducements, benefits, educational
     3        benefits, yes, is that correct?
     4        A.  Yes, benefits.
     5
     6   Q.   And at the same time you were thinking of employing younger
     7        people as well?
     8        A.  In selected areas, but the Books programme was for the
     9        whole of the country.
    10
    11   Q.   I think also you previously said that when there is a
    12        problem outside London the wage rates could be raised to a
    13        higher level?
    14        A.  That is within the remit of the regional manager.
    15
    16   Q.   So, effectively, you had recruitment difficulties because
    17        people would not work for the money that you were presently
    18        offering and you had to bring in either higher wage rates
    19        or additional inducements?
    20        A.  No, that is not so.
    21
    22   Q.   Because the wages you are paying are low, are they not?
    23        A.  No.
    24
    25   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  You may say it does not matter, but is not
    26        Mr. Morris right?  If you raise your pay in Manchester, for
    27        instance, or you offer extra benefits like books or
    28        contribution to educational fees, that is because the rates
    29        of pay you are offering hitherto are not enough to tempt
    30        all the people you want to employ?
    31        A.  That is the reason why we have allowed the regional
    32        managers to reduce in certain areas the ability to move,
    33        that is perfectly correct, but the Book programme ----
    34
    35   Q.   Where we go from there may be a matter for argument.
    36        A.  The Book programme was a general attraction.
    37
    38   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Yes, I take that point.
    39
    40   MR. MORRIS:  Just before we leave the subject of employment of
    41        under 16s, I think they are called under 15s; it is 15 or
    42        under, is not?
    43        A.  School leaving age.
    44
    45   Q.   School leaving age?
    46        A.  It varies up and down the country because local
    47        government can also make their own restrictions, but
    48        generally it is people under 16.
    49
    50   Q.   Well, say, in your area which is covered by the ILEA, are 
    51        we talking about employment of 15 year olds?  Is that what 
    52        we are taking about? 
    53        A.  Under 16 year olds.
    54
    55   Q.   Under 16.  Is that 16-year olds and 15-year olds or 15 year
    56        olds and under?
    57
    58   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  No.
    59        A.  Under 16 is 15-year olds and under but we do not go
    60        under.

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