HOURS OF CLOSING and 48-HOUR WEEK FOR FEMALE STAFF

PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING:

1. Shops which now open at 8 o’clock on Friday and Saturday, and in all cases these must continue to do so, are to close on those days at 6.30 p.m. irrespective of the hour of closing of competitors. Naturally you will make every endeavour to persuade them to fall into line, and no doubt when we definitely set the example by actually closing at 6.30 they will probably follow suit.

Shops opening at 8.30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday may continue to remain open on those days until 7 o’clock where they cannot persuade competitors to close before.

2. As from October 2nd, no exceptions will be allowed to the rule that during the early part of the week shops that open at 8 a.m. must close at 6 p.m. (Shops that open at 8.30 a.m. may remain open until 6.30 p.m.)

It is anticipated that as the days draw in the opening and closing hours will have to be adjusted accordingly, with the result that possibly the total number of hours during which we shall be open will tend to be reduced. For this reason we are not now laying down any hard and fast schedule to cover the 48-hours for the female staff at all branches. For the time being, and until further notice, each Manager, in conjunction with his District Supervisor, is to agree his own schedule for the 48-hours.

At certain branches, probably the majority, it will be necessary for the female staff to commence on Friday and Saturday at the normal time and to remain at work until half an hour after closing. In such cases to ensure the hours of female staff to be kept at 48 it is suggested that they are divided into three groups, one-third having a second half day on Monday, one-third on Tuesday and the balance on Wednesday (or Thursday). They need not, of course, necessarily have the same day each week.

At a certain number of branches some of the girls, for example the Despatchers, will be able no doubt to take their second half day on Saturday, which will probably please them better and be more in the interests of the business.

Neither of the above arrangements are ideal, and if there are any branches where it is possible to spread the hours more evenly over the week and so avoid a second half day, we should like your suggestions.

We are sending you a supply of forms, each lasting four weeks, to be completed regularly in respect of all female staff.

One of these forms is to be permanently exhibited on your notice board.

DON’T FORGET THAT THE HOURS OF THE OFFICE STAFF HAVE TO BE REDUCED FROM 50-hours TO 48-hours