Cited by C.M. Newsome, 'Resettlement of Paraplegics. Mr Tom Furness.' 5th April 1950. (LAB 20/123)
Description:

'I have to acknowledge receipt of your minute JS/MP dated 3rd April, 1950. Follow-up action has not yet proved successful in placing the above-named disabled person. Furness was interviewd on 3rd April, 1950 by the D.R.O. and also by the group D.R.O. (Mr Danbow) of District Office, Bradford, when the circumstances were fully explored.

A contact has been made with a former employer with whom Mr. Furness worked prior to going into the Forces, but unfortunately no suitable jobs are available, A further contact was made yesterday (4.4.50) with Colonel Fenton of the British Belting & Asbestos Company Ltd., Moorend, Clackheaton, with a view to finding some sort of light emploment such as light drilling etc., which Furness could do sat in his chair. No promise having been given to accommodate, but he (Col.Fenton) will notify later, having had time to consider the case properly.

Any further movement in the case will be notified to you immediately.

A copy of the Group D.R.O.'s report of his visit to Furness is attached for your retention.'

Cited by I.O. Report of 25th January in Accordance with Paragraph 2361 of M.I.C.C.13[9] on Paraplegics, Stoke Mandeville Hospital (LAB 20/123).
Description:

'T. Furness

Huddersfield

What form of resettlement is proposed in this case? Has action been taken to remind Huddersfield E.E. that a report is desired as soon as possible?'

Cited by J. Smith and C.W. Holland, Narrative Report - MLCC.139.Para.2361. Paraplegics. Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury. (LAB 20/123)
Description:

'Details given below show the current position of cases which have been interviewed by the Aylesbury D.R.O.

...

Patients previously discharged

...

FURNESS, T. HUDDERSIELD. No further report received. from Spen Valley E.E.'

Cited by J. Smith and H. Clark, Narrative Report - MLCC.139. Para.2631. Paraplegics. Stoke Mandeville Hospital. (LAB 20/123)
Description:

'Details relating to patients interviewed to date are given below.

...

Patients previously discharged.

...

FURNESS, T. HUDDERSFIELD, D.P.1 and covreing minute to Huddersfiled E.E. on 17.12.49. No report received.'

Cited by J. Smith, Narrative Report - MLCC.139. Para.2361. Paraplegics. Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury. (LAB 20/123)
Description:

'Furness, T. Huddersfield. Documents transferred by Huddersfield to Spen Valley E.E. Report received from Spen Valley to the effect that they are uable to suggest any employer who would be prepared to accept responsibility for this type of case as he would require too much attention for natural causes.

This man has acute domestic troubles in that his wife left him 2 years ago and he has eleven children whose ages range from 3 to 16 years. The oldest child, a daughter, acts as mother to the other members of the family.

His personal allowances are:-

Unemployability and Pension: £8 - 7 - 0

Family Allowances (7 @ 5/-)   £1 - 15 - 0

Three boys are working and earning wages but their earnings are not disclosed.

This case is being closely watched by the I.O. concerned.'

Cited by W. Denbow, Copy of Group D.R.Os. Report. Tom Furness. (LAB 20/123)
Description:

'Tom Furness, 15, Firthcliffe Grove.

 

I accompanied Mr. Newsome on a visit to above-named to-day and am of the opnion that he will be able to di the job if we can find the right one for him. Obviously his scope is severely limited and it may be a long and difficult task to find a job within that scope in this district.

On the credit side there is his grand spirit - I am sure he will attempt anything we can suggest - and that he is prepared to travel any reasonable distance in his motor tricycle, and he has hopes of early delivery of a Ministry of Pensions car which will further enlarge his range and protect him from weather. He seems to enjoy a good general health at present but I am not sure that he would continue to do so if he were compelled to travel in his tricycle in bad weather. He has full use of hands and arms and the upper part of his body and is quite capable of looking after himself, provided there are decent toilet facilities with a wide door.

On the debit side is the fact that he cannot work anywhere unless he can get into the shop etc. in his wheel chair. He cannot leave his chair unless he is lifted out. He is temprementally unsuited to most types of work within his capabilities which really come to mind, such as clerical work, leather work etc. He has already tried most of the types of work provided by Red Cross - rug making, leather thonging, sewing etc., and confesses that he just cannot concentrate on such work and has no desire to try again. I agree with the recommendation that he would be suitable for bench assembly and would add viewing, unskilled inspection or anything to do with engineering, in which he is most suited, though no suitable job can be ruled out.

I suggest that the best course of action is a personal call to all possible firms to enlist their interest in firstly, for psychological reasons, giving him a job in the firm or, secondly, homework. We have already tried his previous employer, Birkbys, but there is nothing at present. Mr. Newsome is endeavouring to get in touch with Col.Fenton, managing director of B.B.A., who it is understood are interested in this man. The British Legion may provide other introductions.

If all else fails he may be able to manage Remploy at Leeds or Huddersfiled (when open) but he is still only fit for part-time work according to his D.P.1 (Z) of December, 1949, and these journeys would put undue strain on him. He would also lose almost as much as he would earn, by reduction in allowances on taking up employment which would bring in a small wage after deduction.

I repeat this will be a long and difficult task in view of the lack of light industries in this area but it is not an impossible one.'