Automation, Leisure and the Unions

Luddism, and the smashing of new machines. The introduction to the T.U.C. report on "Automation in the Office"* stated clearly that automation can lead to better living standards for all workers, though it is well worth remembering that, in the offices themselves, the staffs have only just achieved legal provision on Health, Welfare and Safety, the Act introducing them becoming effective on August 1st this year. Firms are investing much capital in the installation of computers, whose costs vary from ?100,000 to aboui ?2m. Before actually installing a computer, managements must give much time to research and planning over a long period, but there is little evidence so far of