THE great depression in the shipping trade of Britain has caused grave unemployment among seamen, and the slight improvement in conditions is unfortunately insufficient to dispel the gloom which has settled on the hearts and minds of those who man our ships, and bring us our food from abroad.
The term ' seamen ' includes sailors, officers, firemen, stewards, cooks, and, in fact, everyone who makes up a ship's crew. These men have to seek work in ports, though their homes may be far inland. Many of them cannot enjoy the social benefits they are entitled to because they have no fixed address.
The strenuous nature of the work, especially on cargo boats, means the signing on of the youngest and strongest, and owing to the slackness of trade crews are cut down to a minimum. Modern methods have greatly depleted the number of firemen and trimmers required, and, even if shipping got back to normal, it is doubtful if many of these would find employment again.
This series aims at bringing unemployed men to the microphone to speak of their difficulties, and to tell listeners how they are trying to stand up to life.