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

Shoreditch 1905

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Shoreditch]

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Table: The following table will serve to convey an idea of the distribution of the outworkers in the several classes of home work according to the lists sent an during the year:

The following table will serve to convey an idea of the distribution of the outworkers in the several classes of home work according to the lists sent an during the year:

Class of Homework.Number of Lists received.Number of Addresses of Outworkers.
Due Feb. 1st.Due Aug. 1st.Forwarded to other Authorities.Received from other Authorities.
No. of Lists.No. of Outworkers.No. of Lists.No. of Outworkers.Due Feb. 1st.Due August 1st.Due Feb. 1st.Due August 1st.
Tailoring91065949581207189
Mantles13218381428
Underclothing119......13...2724
Blouses & Costumes......2120...1184632
Boots3782206111124156
Millinery113......10...4325
Fur pulling..................53
Other work41251237519270210
Total1934412275257237736667

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The objects aimed at in requiring lists of outworkers to be sent to the sanitary
authority are the prevention of home work being done in unsuitable and insanitary
dwellings to the detriment of the workers themselves and on premises where dangerous
infectious disease exists so as to safeguard the interests of the public. The classes
of work in connection with which lists of out workers are required are set forth in the
Home Work Order of 15th August, 1905, which revokes the previous Home Work
Orders of 1901 and 1902.
During the year 75 cases of infectious disease were notified on premises where
home work was carried on. The necessary steps were taken to prevent infection being
spread by the work. In most instances the temporary cessation of work was necessary.
No action was required under Sections 108-110 of the Factory and Workshop
Act.
BAKEHOUSES.
The number on the register at the end of the year was 77, including two factory
bakehouses. Of these 32 are above ground, and 45 underground. Their general
sanitary condition may be described as satisfactory. In 14 instanoes the bakehouses
required limewashing, and the necessary notices were served and complied with,