About 15,000 manual werkers in the corn trade in the United Kingdom are to get their hours reduced from 42 to 40 hours a week, without loss of pay, from May 3rd under an agreement between the Transport and General Workers Union and the National Association of Corr and Agricultural Merchants announced in London on April 22nd,
From the same date, there will be increases in job earnings, which are paid in addition to the minimum rates. The increases range from 5/a week for operators in charge of grinding and packing to 15/- for foremen. The present basic rates range from £10. 9. 6. to £10.6.8. for men according to mill grading, with propertionate rates for women and young workers, The new job rates will range from 12/6 at one end ef the scale to 45/- a week. The present shift allewances of 6/- a week for those working two shifts and 10/- for those on three shifts, will be dcubled from May 3rd,
The union and employers also agreed on a third week's holiday for employees, who have completed 12 years continuous service by March 3lst,
From our Industrial Correspondent.