Thorntons: ‘Utopian’ conditions for mill staff

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FOR many years, the late Doris Dexter was manageress of two Thorntons shops – one in Market Place, Derby, and the other in King Street, Belper.

She had, in fact, followed her daughters, Susan and Pamela, into the business. They were already working at Thorntons shops in Derby when she started in 1962.

Her husband, Harry Dexter, of Wren Park Close, Belper, recalls: “One evening, Doris came home and said that the area manager had visited the King Street shop and told her that, during office refurbishment at Thorntons factory, in Derwent Street, Belper, a heavy cabinet was moved, revealing a dusty old notice and an ancient quill pen.

“The factory was housed in a former mill – one of many dotted around Belper. The notice appears to be for the mill clerical staff following the passing of new labour laws.

“I hope readers find it interesting. It gives a glimpse of life in England many years ago.”

The Notice to Employees reads:

1. Godliness, cleanliness and punctuality are the necessities of a good business.

2. This firm has reduced the hours of work and the clerical staff will only have to be present between the hours of 7am and 6pm on weekdays.

3. Daily prayers will be held each morning in the main office.

4. Clothing must be of a sober nature. The clerical staff will not disport themselves in raiment of bright colours nor will they wear hose, unless in good repair.

5. Overshoes and top coats may not be worn in the office but neck scarves and headwear may be worn in inclement weather.

6. A stove is provided for the benefit of clerical staff. Coal and wood must be kept in the locker. It is recommended that each member of staff bring four pounds of coal each day during cold weather.

7. No member of the clerical staff may leave the room without permission from Mr Rogers. The calls of nature are permitted and staff may use the garden below the second gate. This area must be kept in good order.

8. No talking is allowed during business hours.

9. The craving of tobacco, wines or spirits is a human weakness and, as such, is forbidden to all staff.

10. Now that the hours of business have been drastically reduced, the partaking of food is allowed between 11.30am and noon but work will not, on any account, cease.

11. Members of staff will provide their own pens. A new sharpener is available on application to Mr Rogers.

12. The new increased weekly wages are: junior boys (to 11 years) 1/4d; boys (to 14 years) 2/1d; juniors 4/8d; junior clerks 8/7d; clerks 10/9d; senior clerks 21s.

The owners recognise the generosity of the new labour laws but will expect a rise in output of work to compensate for these near Utopian conditions.

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