Crossword Genius

America on time for employment (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

usage

'for employment' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'america on time' is the wordplay.
'america' becomes 'US' (United States).
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'time' becomes 'age' (an age is a period of time).
'us'+'age'='USAGE'

(Other definitions for usage that I've seen before include "Application" , "Tradition - rate of consumption" , "Accepted or habitual practice" , "Habitual custom" , "Established custom" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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