H—9

Statement showing for the Year ended 31st March, 1948, Duration of Unemployment for Males and Females according to Age-groups

The above schedule discloses that approximately 49 per cent, of the male beneficiaries were unemployed for less than four weeks, while approximately 41 per centwere unemployed for periods varying from four to thirteen weeks. Of the female beneficiaries approximately 54 per cent, were unemployed for less than four weeks, while approximately 39 per cent, were unemployed for periods varying from four to thirteen weeks. The largest number of males is found in the age group 50-59 years (31 per cent.), while the largest number of female beneficiaries is evenly distributed between the 16-19 years and 20-29 years groups, which together account for 61 per cent, of the females. SICKNESS BENEFITS The following figures show the number of sickness benefits dealt with during the years ended 31st March, 1947, and 31st March, 1948, respectively :

The number of sickness benefits granted during the year totalled 31,355, a decrease of 5,356, or approximately 14 per cent., from the previous year. There were 4,561 benefits current at 31st March, 1948, and expenditure for the year amounted to £897,093,. an increase of £43,765 over'the figure for the previous year. The increase in the rate of benefit from Ist October, 1947, is responsible for the increased expenditure, notwithstanding a decrease in the number of benefits.

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Period of Unemployment. Years 16 to 19. Years 20 to 29. l Years 30 to 39. Years 40 to 49. M. 1 F ' M. F. r m. 1 r. M. 1 j F. Less than 4 weeks 4 weeks but less than 13 weeks 13 weeks but less than 26 weeks 26 weeks to 52 weeks (inclusive) 2 2 1 2 2 25 92 2 1 3 1 40 1 2 •• 60 j 44 11 1 1 1 Totals 5 4 50 4 j 78 2 116 1 Period of Unemployment. Years 50 to 59. Years 60 and over. Totals. Grand Total. M. F. M. y. M. I F. Less than 4 weeks 4 weeks but less than 13 weeks 13 weeks but less than 26 weeks 26 weeks to 52 weeks (inclusive) 57 51 11 1 2 rf*- 05 188 158 34 3 7 5 1 195 16S 35 3 Totals 120 1 2 14 1 .. 1 383 1 is! 396

— 1946-47. 1947-48. Males. Females. Totals. Males. Females. I Totals. Persons granted benefit Number of applications declined Number of persons whose applications were declined, but who were granted emergency benefits on grounds of hardship Totals .. .. 28,232 3,646 246 8,479 1,449 ' 434 36,711 5,095 680 24,073 2,683 | 458 ! 7,282 1,195 j 614 j 31,355 3,878 1,072 32,124 10,362 1 42,486 ! 27,214 9,091 ! 36,305