A Successful Scheme of Welfare.
Page 15
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ONE OF the most distinguishing features of present-day industrialism is the cffort to secure invigorating, healthy and elevating conditions for the employees after working hours. This compares most favourably with the condition of things even 30 years ago. The policy of obtaining the utmast work out of employees during the hairs of labour and neglecting them afterwards has always been foredoomed, and is strongly condemned on humanitarian grounds.
-Needless to say, such a policy must be inaugurated with the greatest tact, 'and the employees must not be brought to think that there is any undue interference with their personal liberty. With some companies elaborate housing schemes have been carried out, and have greatly improved the living conditions. In others, where the employees have to come from afar, lodging accommodation is sometimes provided, usually in conjunction with an up-to-date canteen. Also, the majority of factories support at least one sports team and frequently several.
In the case of Leyland Motors, Ltd., each of these branches of welfare are receiving attention, The housing scheme, which originated in 1920 to cope with the acute shortage which was seriously affecting the. supply of labour, consists of a pleasant colony situated on the outskirts of Leyland Village, only a few minutes from the works. Close at hand are the hutments, which are now being extended, and here the nominal charges, in conjunction with the great convenience, have proved important factors in their popularity..
Almost adjoining the hutments is the canteen. This is a three-storey building; of which the middle floor constitutes the dining-room and the wellequipped kitchens, and here the employees may either purchase their meals or they may have their own food warmed up, free of charge, in suitable ovens. The prices are dependent upon the cost, as the canteen is not run at any profit. Seating accommodation and tables are provided for 1,000 at a time.
To assist in maintaining a prompt service, the canteen stores, which are on the ground floor, are well stocked and most comprehensive in range. All the sauces and pickles required are prepared on the premises, and a considerable quantity of fruit is bottled annually, which enables it to be sold at about half the usual retail prices. Our illustration shows a part of the storeroom.
The Leyllind Motors•Social and Athletic Club enjoys a well-deserved popularity. Its membership comprises the entire Leyland personnel, and, for the sake of simplicity, 2d. is deducted automatically from each person's weekly wage, with his or her permission. Annual athletic sports are arranged by the club, these usually taking place early in July. The club property affords much gratification to the members. The grounds, which compare favourably, both in the layout and in the quality of the turf, with any similar concern in the country, cover some 3i acres, and include a bowling-green, cricket and football fields, and a pavilion, which has changing rooms, two -full-size billiard tables, a concert room and tearoom, as well as a fully licensed bar.
The financial arrangements are under the supervision of the section secretaries, funds being clerived from gate-money and various entertainments, amongst which dances, usually in the canteen, figure prominently, and are always well attended. The weekly subscriptions are paid into the main club account, and help to defray expenses of upkeep and equipment.