The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-01-24

Hartford, Conn.,, Jan. 24.-Wind- ing up an unusually active year which saw Connecticut industry well advanced over the previous year, manufacturers enthusiastically expect 1940 to at least hold the gains made d lring the year and in some in- stances still further increases are anticipated. This information is con- tained in the monthly letters of the unemployment compensation dl- vision branch office managers to State Labor Commissioner Cornelius J. Danaher. !
 The latter part of December and the early part of this month saw many plants working part time or idle, but the majority of them re- suited from seasonal slack periods and annual inventories. In some in- dustries, notably textiles, needle and garment trades, where seasonal lay offs began last month, a resumption of activities already has begun and by the end of the month, 1t IS ex- pected, operations will be much more improved.
 Construction and agricultural work is very slow as a result of the weather. Placements made by the Connecticut State Employment Serv- ice Jagged during December as com pared wiht November and October, but were well ahead of December, 1888. Practically every manager re- ports a demand for domestic work CTS and for various type of skilled workmen. Inability to place untrain- ed youths also continues to be a problem.
 All managers reported merchants happy aa a result of Christmas busi- ness which was way ahead Of last wear. The number of temporary salesworkers given employment was high and resulted in the placement of many of the unemployed and un- trained youths.
 The situations in the various state areas as reported by the managers follow:
 | AnsOnia
 There were several lay-offs for in- yentory purposes here and sea- sonal slump resulted in more lay offs. Mercantile establishments were busy during the holiday and the de- mand for sales help brought the placement figure above that of the previous month. Private placements total g.. Request for four maids, one stenograpner and two maintenance men were thrilled because no quail fled applicants could be found. There were GA new registrations at the employment service office. Waterbury ..-- ..
 Local factories, anticipating in- ventories, slowed down considerably during the month. There was very little hiring in production lines. Four or five plants took advantage of mass" lay-off tickets. Lay-otfs varied from one week to ten days during the latter part of Decem- I Der until January 8. Machine man. ufacturers maintained their full working schedules, some with two shifts. other with three shifts. There is a definite shortage of good skilled applicants in this district. At the present time this office could place about 30 au-round machinists and machine assemblers if ,he workers were available. All indications in the manufacturing lines point to- ward continuance of the 1889 busi- ness pickup, and most employers are planning accordingly.
 The commercial and professional divisions SC 8 new placement rec ord during December. The total was | 1858 compared to 72 in 1888. One firm has decided to use the employment service exclusively.
 From contacts in the industrial field, it appears that big increase in business is anticipated in 1940. Most employers are optimistic and anticipate many orders in the very near future.
 TOrringtOn
 The industrial situation remains practically the same for December | with very little hiring and few law.