Staff Conditions
I am indebted to Mr. J. Stephenson for the following details of the lay-out and staff conditions.
From 1894, until the closing in 1929, the lay-out of the office was Edwardian – long double-sided desks with overhead racks and the clerks on stools each side. The office hours were 9.00 am. to 6.00 pm., with one hour for lunch, 9.00 am. to 12 pm. noon Saturday. Staff were paid if sick, but not for overtime and, of course, there was no such thing as holidays.
Mr. Stephenson started in 1906 as an office boy, and said he enjoyed the 22 years he was there.
The office staff numbered about 30, mostly men. Women took over from men during the War, and part of the “Maypole Dairy” staff came temporary from their London office. Mr. Schou, the first Managing Director, and Mr. Michelson, who took over from him in 1914, made it their business to ensure that all employees worked in a pleasant atmosphere.
Mr. Kier was a Director: Mr. H. Leech, Company Secretary: Mr. T. Dunkerley, Chief Clerk: Mr. Hopkian-Harries, Chief Cashier: Mr. Birch and later Mr. C. Woodfield, Personnel Managers: Mr. Roberts, Clerk of Works.
All foremen and the laboratory technical staff came into staff category and, of course, there were others who qualified by their special skills and were paid and recognised accordingly.