On This Day, 26 April 1918

Evening Despatch

Friday 26 April 1918

BIRMINGHAM FIRMS FINED

REMINDER THAT FACTORY ACT IS STILL IN FORCE

Hudson, Edmunds, and Co., Sheepcote-street, were summoned at Birmingham to-day for failing to keep a general register of persons employed, and also for employing persons under 16 years of age for more than seven days without obtaining certificates of physical fitness.

Mr. H. R. Rogers, H. M. Inspector of Factories, said that in view of the high pressure of work at present it was essential that lads should be pronounced physically fit for their work.

There was an impression abroad that the Factory Act had been temporarily suspended, and the authorities wished that this impression should be removed.

Defendants were fined £3 for not keeping a register; £3 in the first case of not obtaining a certificate of physical fitness, and 10s. in each of three other similar cases.

The Forward Press Works Company, 58 and 59, Ashted-row, were also fined £10 for employing children of school age other than on the half-time system.

The Gorham Manufacturing Co., Barr-Street, Hockley, were fined £3 for employing a young person aged 14 on a Sunday, contrary to the Act.