The following subjects have been brought to the attention of Home Intelligence and the questions listed below have been extracted from our files:
1.
The position of married women with young children
There is evidence of considerable apprehension both among young married women and their husbands about the possibility of “conscription” being applied to mothers with young children. Many feel that these mothers should be exempted, and concern is expressed that the future generation will suffer unless this is done. At the same time many young mothers are quite ready to do war work if they can feel sure that in their absence their children will be properly cared for. The idea of nursery centres is welcomed although the hope is expressed that they will be well run but “not too official”. Mothers would like to be allowed to visit their children during their own lunch hour for example. The fact that little proper nursery accommodation has yet been provided is well known among working-class mothers and there is some scepticism that local authorities will, in fact, provide these facilities.
2.
The position of women with husbands on active service
.
There are reports that men in the Services are expressing anxiety and even indignation at the prospect of their wives being called up. Publicity addressed to Service men is suggested. Many wives are willing to work but would like to be given an assurance that they will be given time off when their husbands are home on leave.
3.
Wages and hours
.
Wages
. Are wages to be standardised? Alternatively, will a schedule of industrial wages be available to women when they sign on? There appears to be a general impression that wages for women are low in all factories except those engaged on munitions. There is some apprehension about “conscription” into non-union shops. There is also confusion about the weekly allowance paid to trainees: some women think that the 36/- will be the amount the trainee receives when she gets a job.
Hours
. Will women be expected to work on night shifts (the fear of this possibility is often given as a reason for women preferring to join the Services)? Will women be expected to do much overtime? Will arrangements be made for part-time work?
4.
Mobility
.
This subject has caused a good deal of apprehension. Married women as well as fathers and mothers of young daughters are worried about the possibility of compulsory mobility. Young women signing on at Labour Exchanges near factories in their own neighbourhood are doing so in order to secure work near their home.
5.
Shopping difficulties
.
This is a serious and widespread consideration. Women envisage shortages and shopping difficulties becoming much more acute. There is a widespread demand that these domestic difficulties should be taken fully into account both by employers, shopkeepers and the Government.
6.
Volunteers and conscripts
There is general confusion about the meaning of registration. Many women think that by volunteering now they would secure some advantage. Many are asking whether they should leave their present occupations at once and there are many enquiries about which occupations will be reserved. The publication of a list of reserved occupations is urgently asked for.
Those who are volunteering now complain that jobs are not available at the Labour Exchanges and there is some criticism of the conduct of Labour Exchanges in being unable to advise on jobs in other nearby neighbourhoods.
7.
Women in domestic service
.
Many women doing full-time voluntary war work leave the conduct of their homes to the charge of maids. They want to know whether, in these circumstances, maids will be exempt. Mothers of young families with other responsibilities as well are also gravely concerned that necessary domestic help will be filched from them. Here it is frequently mentioned that alien women employed in domestic service should not be encouraged to leave useful jobs for more remunerative work in a munitions factory.
8.
Social class and registration
.
Some statement on the universal nature of the call-up and its egalitarian application would be welcomed. There is a good deal of suspicion that “influence” will be used to get exemption and that part-time voluntary war work will be used as a loophole to avoid compulsory service.
9.
Trades Unions
.
Some women recognise the value of Trades Union protection and are anxious to know whether Trades Union conditions will apply to them after “conscription”.
10.
Women in University training
.
Women at present in training and those contemplating a University career want to know what their position will be.
NOTE
Our reports show that women are eager to play their part in the war effort but have been confused by the publicity which has accompanied the recent Order. The fact that on previous occasions Government publicity has been ahead of planning has to some extent dampened enthusiasm.
