London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Islington 1930
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Islington Borough]
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64
1930]
Drying clothes.—Good, 38.4%. Moderate, 18.4%. None, 43.2%.
The premises where no provision for drying clothes was available coincided
with those in which no heat was provided owing to the nature of the business.
Retiring (Rest) Room.
In fourteen trades (140 cases) no retiring room was provided. In the remaining
five (50 cases) some provision was made, but in only two out of 140 cases,
i.e., 1.4%, could it be called adequate,
Washing.—Good, 66.3%. Moderate, 29.4%. Bad (Roller or insufficient towels,
etc.), 4.3%.
Some provision for personal washing was made in every case. The moderate
conditions were chiefly due to inadequate provision of towels and the dirty condition
of same.
The trades most affected were:—
| Good. | Moderate. | Bad. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wholesale | 50% | 40% | 10% |
| Cooked meats | 50% | 40% | 10% |
| Tobacconists | 30% | 50% | 20% |
| Hardware | 40% | 50% | 10% |
| Grocery | 50% | 40% | 10% |
| Dairies | 70% | 30% | — |
| Greengrocers | 30% | 60% | 10% |
| Fishmongers | 60% | 40% | — |
It will be seen, therefore, that greater care should be enforced, having regard
to the number of food shops which figure in the above list.
Seats.—Provided, 59.4%. Not provided, 27.3%. Not used, 13.3%.
No comment is needed here, except to say that hardship is caused to those
assistants who are not allowed to use the seats provided.
Welfare arrangements.
In no case was it found that a Welfare Worker, as such, was provided.
In approximately 50% of the premises visited it was found that either the
proprietor or manager took some interest in the welfare of the staff. In the
remainder it could not be said that any interest was taken. The larger shops
were the most inconsiderate in this respect.
First aid.
In 46.6% cases only of the premises visited first aid equipment was provided.
" Living-in."
In five cases, where the staff numbered over five assistants, did the assistant}
live on the premises. In four of these cases the conditions were found to be good.
In addition to the above, there was a number of instances in which an only
assistant lived with the proprietor's family. Conditions, in these instances, were
invariably good.
Hours.
On the whole, the hours were long, particularly with regard to confectioners,
tobacconists, cooked meats and chemists.
Sunday Trading.
This appears to be on the increase, and in the majority of instances is quite
unnecessary. The most outstanding trades were confectionery, tobacconists,
dairies and chemists.