" Mystery " Advertisement Shoal of Drivers Produces
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RECENTLY, an advertisement in a Liverpool evening newspaper for 100 H.G.V. drivers and 100 secondmen for Government work for Liverpool, produced more than 800 replies.
In view of the prevailing shortage of heavy goods vehicles, the advertisement, which offered the Grade I scale of wages and overtime for a working week of 60 to 70 hours, caused a considerable amount of speculation, especially as the name of the advertiser was not disclosed, although guesses, in certain quarters, have proved not far short of the mark.
First appointments were made last week and others will certainly'follow as additional supplies of vehicles become available.
Of the 890 replies, about 400 were from men who sought positions as drivers. Although many were, obviously, unsuitable applicants, it is clear that there is a residue of man-power which can be absorbed if means can be found to produce the lorries, especially those of the heavy type, which are most needed for the dispersal of foodstuffs and war materials.
About 40 per cent. of the men who wanted positions as drivers were free to accept engagement or did not definitely state they were out of work, about 25 per cent, were in work, but wanted to make a change, about 12 per cent, were working on lower rates of pay than those offered, and about 10 per cent, were p.s.v. men who wanted to take up goods-vehicle driving.