The German invasion on 9 April 1940 stimulated the Association to wider efforts. Every employed Dane meant one less who could be transported to work in German war industries. Many initiatives were taken. In the town of Vejle, for example, people had been postponing the painting of their houses, while there were twenty-five painters unemployed. All these became employed, and the demand for carpenters and joiners was so great that they were brought in from other towns.30 In 1944, in preparation for peace, 100,000 farms were visited to see what repairs and land improvements were needed, resulting in a register of 30,000 extra jobs.31 LAB continued in operation, under the same leadership, until 1965, when, through the improvement of the economy and other factors, the unemployment figure had declined from 20.1 per cent at its formation to 3.7 per cent.32

Commenting after the war the economist, Finn Friis, wrote, 'The words "change in mentality" have to be used in connection with this work. It brought a new understanding of the value of the worker and is leaving permanent traces on our post-war economy.'33

272