Permits of exemption: Wholesale Mantle & Costume Trade Board
This index is a summary of key information relating to permits of exemption issued to workers who came within the scope of the Wholesale Mantle and Costume Trade Board - individuals who were regarded as being "affected by any infirmity or physical injury which renders [them] incapable of earning that minimum time-rate". The data is taken from summarised applications for permits of exemption submitted to members of the Board. Click on the case number to see a digitised version of the original source - this can include more information.
Archives at the Modern Records Centre include historical terminology used to describe medical conditions or aspects of disability. This language reflects the context in which the material was created, and may be considered offensive today.
| Number | Date | Age | Gender | Employer | Location | Reason | Proposed wages (week) | Other info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WM1300/24Link opens in a new window | 1924 | 25 | Male | James & Priestley | Sun Court, Golden Lane, London, EC1 | "Muscular weakness of left side" | 40 shillings (44 hours) | "…resulting from fit in infancy…". Worker "was taken on by us at the request of an agency that interested itself in partially incapacitated lads. In addition to physical weakness he has a very distressing stammer…" |
| WM1240/1924Link opens in a new window | 1924 | 29 | Male | M. Goodman, Esq. | 100, Cowcaddens Street, Glasgow | "Wound in left upper-arm" | 60 shillings (45 & 1/2 hours) | "…worker was incapacitated during the late War which had seriously affected his work…" "…The worker's left forearm and hand were disabled as a result of wounds. The worker could not close his left hand completely and consequently could not grasp anything securely..." |
| WM18655/21Link opens in a new window | 1922 | 34 | Female | Johnson & Co. Ltd. | 4, Church Street, London, E1 | "Mental deficiency" | 28 shillings (42 & 1/2 hours) | "…suffers from mental deficiency and a neurotic temperament…" "…worker frequently became very excited for some hours and was quite unable to work during such time…" "…very childish in her manner and the girls teased her with the result that she quickly lost her temper and was unable to continue her work ..." "... employed the worker out of charity as she had her mother dependent on her" |
| WM19059/21Link opens in a new window | 1922 | 46 | Male | Cohen Bros. & Co. | 29, Cowper Street, London, EC2 | "Old age" | 80 shillings (52 & 1/2 hours) | "…old and consequently very slow at his work…" |
| WM8814/20Link opens in a new window | 1921 | 58 | Female | Mr. M. Phillips | London | "Chronic dyspepsia" | 25 shillings (44 hours) | - |
| WM8814/20Link opens in a new window | 1921 | 60 | Female | Mr. M. Phillips | 35/8 Aldersgate St., London, EC | "Chronic dyspepsia" | 25 shillings (43-48 hours) | - |
| WM6454/22Link opens in a new window | 1922 | 24 | Male | James & Priestley | Sun Court, Golden Lane, London, EC1 | "Pronounced physical weakness" | 40 shillings (44 hours) | "…is suffering from muscular weakness of left side, resulting from fit in infancy…" Worker "was taken on by us at the request of an agency that interested itself in partially incapacitated lads. In addition to physical weakness he has a very distressing stammer…" |
| WM5882/22Link opens in a new window | 1922 | 28 | Male | M. Goodman, Esq. | 100, Cowcaddens Street, Glasgow | "Wound on left upper-arm" | 60 shillings (45 & 1/2 hours) | "…was incapacitated during late war, which seriously affects his work…" "…His left forearm and hand are disabled as a result of wounds. He can not close his left hand completely and consequently cannot grasp anything securely..." |
| WM9517/22Link opens in a new window | 1922 | 52 | Male | Cohen Bros. & Co. | 29 & 31, Cowper Street, London, EC2 | "Age" | 60 shillings (52 & 1/2 hours) | "…very slow worker…" |
| WM10581/22Link opens in a new window | 1922 | 23 | Female | Mr M. Press | 15, St. Edwards Road, Southsea | "Artificial leg and weakness" | 20 shillings (46 & 1/2 hours) | "… worker has an artificial leg and is very nervous and high strung owing to the shock of losing her leg…" "…The girl is not a normal worker and owing to her weak constitution is undoubtedly unable to put in the same amount of work as an ordinary worker …" |
| WM7051/22Link opens in a new window | 1922 | 64 | Male | Mr. F. G. Wrigley | St. John's Works, Kemhall St., Ipswich | "Left inguinal hernia" | 2 pound per week (48 hours) | "…is suffering from left inguinal hernia which comes down into the scrotum…" |
| T18[3]27/20Link opens in a new window | 1922 | 22 | Male | Tippetts Son & Co. | Plymouth | "Suffering from effects of infantile paralysis" | 7 pence per hour | "…suffers from paralysis of the left foot which affects his walking as well as his ability to lift any weights. He is also very dull mentally and his efficiency is reduced more by this than by the paralysis of the foot…" |
| T17776/20Link opens in a new window | 1922 | 68 | Male | Tippetts Son & Co. | Plymouth | "General debility" | 7 pence per hour | "…very lame through fractured thigh received during his employment with this firm and he is also infirm through age…" |
| WM5587/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 60 | Female | The Salvationist Publishing & Supplies Ltd. | London | "Age" | 26 shillings per week | "... employed at a branch in Clapham ..." "... has some small private means, but finds it necessary to supplement them ..." "…somewhat slow in her movements…" |
| WM8814/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 58 | Female | Mr. M. Phillips | London, EC | "Chronic dyspepsia" | 25 shillings (48 hours) | Employer "only keeps her because she has been with him 10 years ..." |
| WM7886/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 68 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | London | "Old age & Paralysis of left leg" | 15 shillings & 5 shillings pension (36 hours) | "... been with the firm for 26 years ..." "... her pension has been raised to 7/6d in addition to her wage of 15/-" |
| WM7882/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 65 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | London | "Loss of energy due to advancing years" | 15 shillings (40 hours) | "... been with the firm for 15 years and is in future to receive 5/- per week pension in addition to her wages" |
| WM8175/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 64 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | London | "Rheumatism" | 15 shillings & 5 shillings pension (45 hours) | "... been with the firm for 27 years ..." "... in addition her pension is to be raised to 7/6d per week" |
| WM8176/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 74 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | London | "Heart trouble" | 11 shillings & 3 pence (45 hours) | "... been with the firm for 10 years ..." |
| WM8177/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 82 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | London | "Able to follow light employment" | 10 shillings & 4 pence plus 5 shillings pension (45 hours) | "... been with firm for 20 years ...". Firm "to give her a pension of 7/6d per week" |
| WM8178/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 65 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | London | "Defective vision" | 22 shillings & 6 pence (45 hours) | "... been with firm for 23 years. Firm have agreed to give her in addition to her wage a pension of 5/- per week". |
| WM8170/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 62 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | London | "Gastritis and weakness" | 25 shillings (47 hours) | "... been with the firm for 14 years ..." |
| WM8181/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 68 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | London | "Debility" | 24 shillings & 5 pence plus 5 shillings pension (45 hours) | "... been with the firm for 26 years. The firm are increasing her pension to 7/6d per week" |
| WM8183/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 72 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | London | "Only fit for light employment" | 16 shillings & 11 pence plus 5 shillings pension (45 hours) | "... been with the firm for 18 years. The firm are increasing her pension to 7/6d per week" |
| WM8182/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 67 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | London | "Rheumatism" | 22 shillings & 6 pence (45 hours) | "... been with the firm for 27 years ..." |
| WM8184/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 64 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | London | "In fairly good health" | 22 shillings & 6 pence (45 hours) | "... been with the firm for 18 years ..." |
| WM8185/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 65 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | London | "In fairly good health and although not capable of doing heavy work, is fit for light work" | 15 shillings & 5 shillings pension (45 hours) | "... been with the firm for 16 years ..." |
| WM8172/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | Not stated | Not stated | A. Stedall Ltd. | London | - | 8 & 1/2 pence per hour | - |
| WM8171/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | Not stated | Not stated | A. Stedall Ltd. | London | - | 8 & 1/2 pence per hour | - |
| WM7885Link opens in a new window | 1920 | Not stated | Not stated | A. Stedall Ltd. | London | - | - | "…to be put on piecework…" |
| WM8498Link opens in a new window | 1920 | Not stated | Not stated | A. Stedall Ltd. | London | - | - | "…to be put on piecework…" |
| WM8174Link opens in a new window | 1920 | Not stated | Not stated | A. Stedall Ltd. | London | - | - | "…to be pensioned off with a pension of 10 shillings per week…" |
| WM8173Link opens in a new window | 1920 | Not stated | Not stated | A. Stedall Ltd. | London | - | - | "…deceased…" |
| WM8180Link opens in a new window | 1920 | Not stated | Not stated | A. Stedall Ltd. | London | - | - | "…now going on piecework…" |
| WM8179Link opens in a new window | 1920 | Not stated | Not stated | A. Stedall Ltd. | London | - | - | "…now going on piecework…" |
| WM10842Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 41 | Female | Cohen Bros. & Co. | London, EC | "Incapable worker" | 27 shillings (49 hours) | - |
| WM10844Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 62 | Female | Cohen Bros. & Co. | London, EC | "Age" | 30 shillings (48 hours) | - |
| WM11859Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 23 | Female | Mr. S. Fathers | Tottenham | "Spinal curvature and general debility" | 17 shillings (46 hours) | - |
| WM4785/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | - | - | - | "…worker had returned to Ireland…" |
| WM7879Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 74 | Male | Hopton Bros. Ltd. | Leeds | "Old Age" | 10 & 3/4 pence per hour | "... he has been 18 years in their service. ... The man himself is getting old, is anxious to work, and realises the firm is treating him in a generous manner ..." |
| WM9134Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 52 | Male | Simmons & Co. Ltd. | Manchester | "Arteriosclerosis (Premature senility)" | 35 shillings (44 hours) | "…This man has the appearance of being over 70 years of age…" "... he has no money whatever ... The firm only employ him owing to having known him so long, and it is plainly a matter of charity ..." |
| WM9133Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 37 | Female | Simmons & Co. Ltd. | Manchester | "Tuberculosis disease of left hip and spine in childhood (hunchback). At present suffering from gastric ulcers" | 26 shillings (44 hours) | "…worker looks more like a child… She is a hunchback…" |
| WM9132/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 16 | Female | Simmons & Co. Ltd. | Manchester | "Severe rickets in early childhood. Undeveloped height 4 ft 1 inch" | 12 shillings & 6 pence (44 hours) | "... This child was engaged for three years in the hope that she might grow out of her disabilities ..." "... they would be very glad to be free of her services at present, but her father insists upon the firm carrying out the 3 years' agreement ..." |
| WM12451/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 68 | Female | Selincourt & Sons Ltd. | London, SW | "Owing to age and indifferent health" | 22 shillings (48 hours) | "…a very slow worker …a little under ordinary intelligence…" "... Diner is provided for workers if they wish, at 6d, which is very much appreciated ..." Worker "told me she was very happy, and would not like to change her work, as she had been in the firm for 56 years ..." |
| WM4785/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 61 | Female | J. T. Lomas | 43, Port Street, City, Manchester | "Recurrent attacks of gastritis and age" | 20 shillings (43 & 1/2 hours) | - |
| WM5587/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 60 | Female | Salvationist Publishing & Supplies Ltd. | 117, Judd Street, Kings Cross, WC | "Owing to age" | 26 shillings per week | - |
| WM7879/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 74 | Male | Hepton Bros. Ltd. | 19, Oxford Row, Leeds | "Old Age" | 10 & 3/4 pence per hour | - |
| WM7880/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 76 | Male | Hepton Bros. Ltd. | 19, Oxford Row, Leeds | "Old Age" | 8 pence per hour | - |
| WM9134/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 52 | Male | Simmons & Co. Ltd. | 23-5, Gun St., Manchester | "Arteriosclerosis (Premature senility)" | 35 shillings (44 hours) | - |
| WM9133/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 37 | Female | Simmons & Co. Ltd. | 23-5, Gun St., Manchester | "Tuberculosis disease of left hip and spine in childhood (hunchback). At present suffering from gastric ulcer" | 26 shillings (44 hours) | - |
| WM9132/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 16 | Female | Simmons & Co. Ltd. | 23-5, Gun St., Manchester | "Severe rickets in early childhood. Undeveloped height 4 ft 1 inch" | 12 shillings & 6 pence (44 hours) | - |
| WM8814/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 58 | Male | Mr. M. Phillips | 35-8, Aldersgate Street, London, EC | "Chronic dyspepsia" | 25 shillings (48 hours) | - |
| WM7886/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 68 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | 29, Boundary St., Shoreditch | "Paralysis of left leg" | 15 shillings & 5 shillings pension (36 hours) | - |
| WM7885/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 57 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | 29, Boundary St., Shoreditch | "Deafness" | 15 shillings (36 hours) | - |
| WM7882/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 65 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | 29, Boundary St., Shoreditch | "Loss of energy due to advancing years" | 15 shillings (40 hours) | - |
| WM8498/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 56 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | 29, Boundary St., Shoreditch | "Asthma" | 25 shillings (47 hours) | - |
| WM8175/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 64 | Male | A. Stedall Ltd. | 29, Boundary St., Shoreditch | "Rheumatism" | 15 shillings & 5 shillings pension (45 hours) | - |
| WM8176/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 74 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | 5, Lonsdale Square, Barnsbury | "Heart trouble" | 11 shillings & 3 pence (45 hours) | - |
| WM8177/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 82 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | 5, Lonsdale Square, Barnsbury | "Able to follow light employment" | 10 shillings & 4 pence plus 5 shillings pension (45 hours) | - |
| WM8178/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 65 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | 5, Lonsdale Square, Barnsbury | "Defective vision" | 22 shillings & 6 pence (45 hours) | - |
| WM817[5]/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 73 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | 5, Lonsdale Square, Barnsbury | "Rheumatism" | 10 shillings & 4 pence plus 5 shillings pension (45 hours) | - |
| WM8173/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 71 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | 5, Lonsdale Square, Barnsbury | "Rheumatism and valvular disease of the heart" | 18 shillings & 9 pence plus 5 shillings pension (45 hours) | - |
| WM8172/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 68 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | 5, Lonsdale Square, Barnsbury | "Old age and health failing" | 22 shillings & 6 pence plus 5 shillings pension (45 hours) | - |
| WM8171/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 47 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | 5, Lonsdale Square, Barnsbury | "Slow worker" | 26 shillings & 3 pence (45 hours) | - |
| WM8170/10Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 62 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | 185, Beresford St., Camberwell, SE5 | "Gastritis and weakness" | 25 shillings (47 hours) | - |
| WM8180/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 64 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | 5, Lonsdale Square, Barnsbury | "Rheumatism" | 15 shillings (45 hours) | - |
| WM8179/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 41 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | 5, Lonsdale Square, Barnsbury | "Rheumatic arthritis" | 22 shillings & 6 pence (45 hours) | - |
| WM8181/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 68 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | 5, Lonsdale Square, Barnsbury | "Debility" | 24 shillings & 5 pence plus 5 shillings pension (45 hours) | - |
| WM8183/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 72 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | 5, Lonsdale Square, Barnsbury | "Only fit for light employment" | 16 shillings & 11 pence plus 5 shillings pension (45 hours) | - |
| WM8182/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 67 | Male | A. Stedall Ltd. | 5, Lonsdale Square, Barnsbury | "Rheumatism" | 22 shillings & 6 pence (45 hours) | - |
| WM8184/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 64 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | 5, Lonsdale Square, Barnsbury | "In fairly good health" | 22 shillings & 6 pence (45 hours) | - |
| WM8185/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 65 | Female | A. Stedall Ltd. | 5, Lonsdale Square, Barnsbury | "In fairly good health and although not capable of doing heavy work, is fit for light work" | 15 shillings & 5 shillings pension (45 hours) | - |
| WM10842/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 41 | Female | Cohen Bros. & Co. | 29-31, Cowper St., City Road, London, EC | "An incapable worker and can only be employed on odd jobs to keep her employment " | 27 shillings (48 hours) | - |
| WM10843/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 70 | Female | Cohen Bros. & Co. | 29-31, Cowper St., City Road, London, EC | "Infirmity due to old age" | 33 shillings (48 hours) | - |
| WM10844/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 62 | Female | Cohen Bros. & Co. | 29-31, Cowper St., City Road, London, EC | "Infirmity due to age" | 30 shillings (48 hours) | - |
| WM7746/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 63 | Female | S. Markheim Ltd. | 90, Golden Lane, London, EC | "Unable to do work quickly owing to age" | 30 shillings (48 hours) | - |
| WM12451/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 68 | Female | Selincourt & Sons Ltd. | Bossborough Place, 76, Grosvenor Rd., Pimlico, SW1 | "Owing to age and indifferent health ... is unable to do the usual amount of work" | 22 shillings (48 hours) | - |
| WM11[8]59/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 23 | Female | Mr. S. Fathers | Tottenham | "Spinal curvature and general debility" | 17 shillings (46 hours) | - |
| WM9133/20Link opens in a new window | 1921 | 37 | Female | Thompson Smith & Co. | Manchester | "Hunchbacked and suffering from disease in left hip and spine" | 30 shillings (40 & 1/4 hours) | Previously employed by Simmons & Co. Ltd. "... worker expressed her resentment with the manner in which the Permit had been obtained by Messrs Simmons, as she had never complained when forced to compete with able bodies workers and said that her earnings were as good as theirs... " |
| WM9238/21Link opens in a new window | 1921 | 16 years 10 months | Female | Mr. R. Edwards | London, N | "St. Vitus Dance" | 15 shillings (48 hours) for 3 months, 18 shillings after 3 months | Includes letter from her father. "... attended the Special Schools of the LCC ..." "... is also not exceptionally strong owing to a rheumatic heart after rheumatic fever …" |
| WM9478/21Link opens in a new window | 1921 | 16 years 5 months | Female | G. E. Aylett & Co. Ltd. | Nottingham | "Weak eyesight" | 16 shillings & 6 pence (45 & 1/4 hours) | "… This girl is suffering from myopia of a considerable degree and without the aid of glasses, she is … not capable of efficient close work, and even with glasses her vision is still below normal... " "... if she would visit an optician and procure suitable glasses she would at once receive the rate of wages as laid down by the Board..." "... apparently the worker or her parents do not consider it worth troubling about." |
| WM9238/21Link opens in a new window | 1921 | 17 | Female | Mr. R. Edwards | London, N | "St. Vitus Dance" | 15 shillings (48 hours) for 3 months, 18 shillings after 3 months | - |
| WM6128/23Link opens in a new window | 1924 | 73 | Female | Morrison & Co. | 26, South Portland Street, Glasgow | "Old Age" | 10 shillings (48 hours) | "... in receipt of a pension ..." |
| WM6876/23Link opens in a new window | 1924 | 19 | Female | Arthur A. Adey Ltd. | 2,3 & 4, Lowther Road, Holloway, N7 | "Mentally deficient" | 20 shillings (47 hours) | "… The girl is mentally deficient and attended a Special School. She is slow and less alert than a normal worker …" "… Her mother has been in the service of the above employers as kitchen maid for 7 years ..." "... The London Association for the care of the Mentally Deficient have kept in touch with the girl and her mother and consider the case is a proper one for a Permit ..." |
| WM18036/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 60 | Male | Cohen Bros. & Co. | London | "Age" | 2 pound per week (52 & 1/2 hours) | "... has had 40 years experience in the trade and his health is good ..." |
| WM9132/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | 16 | Female | Simmons & Co. Ltd. | Manchester | "Severe rickets in early childhood. Undeveloped. Height 4 ft 1 inch" | 12 shillings & 6 pence (44 hours) | "... This child was engaged for three years in the hope that she might grow out of her disabilities ..." Includes letters from step father opposing application "... it seems to me that sharp practice has been pretty well used to obtain the Permit, with a view to cut down wages by employing my Step-daughter only for the number of hours per week ..." |
| WM7879/20Link opens in a new window | 1920 | Not stated | Male | Hepton Bros. Ltd. | Leeds | - | 10 & 1/2 pence per hour | - |
| WM11059/20Link opens in a new window | 1921 | 24 | Female | Morris & Fathers | London, N | "Spinal curvature and general debility" | 17 shillings (46 hours) | Includes short letter from worker's father |
| WM6454/22Link opens in a new window | 1922 | 23 | Male | James & Priestley | Golden Lane, London, EC1 | "Pronounced physical weakness" | 40 shillings (44 hours) | "…is suffering from muscular weakness of left side, resulting from fit in infancy …" "… In addition to physical weakness he has a very distressing stammer …" |
| WM4556/22Link opens in a new window | 1922 | 65 | Female | James & Priestley | Golden Lane, London, EC1 | "Old age" | 22 shillings (44 hours) | "... it is a case of hardship, as this is all she has to rely upon, and during her period of absence from business we have made it a practice to pay her voluntarily a sum of 10/- per week ..." |
| WM5882/22Link opens in a new window | 1922 | 27 | Male | Mr. M. Goodman | 100, Cowcaddens Street, Glasgow | "Wound in left upper arm affecting use of hand" | 60 shillings (45 & 1/2 hours) | "…was incapacitated during late War, which seriously affects his work…" |