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43
Shop Assistants—Hours and Conditions of Employment.
An investigation into the condition of employment in respect of matters
affecting the health and welfare of shop assistants in Stepney was undertaken
at the request of the Home Office.
In Stepney the greater number of shops cater for the labouring and artisan
class, and are conducted by resident proprietors and members of the family
assisted on an average by 1 to 3 non-resident assistants.
Though the majority of the shops are neat and smart in appearance, the
living room is often very small, consisting of a kitchen at the rear
of the shop.
Those assistants who take meals on the premises generally have them
in the kitchen which is used as a rest room during the day when the
opportunity occurs.
178 premises were inspected, 10 of each of 17 specified groups and 8
of the group "Departmental Stores," there being but few of this class in
this Borough.
125 premises employed 5 or less number of persons — 70 per cent.
43 „ „ between 5 and 15 „ 25 „
10 „ „ more than 15 „ 5 „
In Stepney, Sunday trading is common chiefly owing to the Jewish
shops being open on that day.
No doubt that Sunday trading is influenced by the fact that stalls in the
principal shopping streets are conducting business, although in the case of
Cooked Meats, Fruiterers and Confectioners, their hours are largely influenced
by close proximity to places of amusement.
The following is a summary of the investigation.
(a) Ventilation. was satisfactory in all the shops visited.
(b) Heating. 60 per cent. were satisfactory and in 40 per cent. there
were no facilities.
(c) Lighting. In 4 per cent. of the shops there was insufficient
natural lighting.