An 11-part television history of Britain at work in the 20th century. 3: Counter Revolution
When Rita Greendale started as a shop assistant in a Hull greengrocer's there was a long apprenticeship:
'I weren't allowed to serve anybody for about a year. I had to observe the correct way to serve people. In the meantime you did all the dirty jobs.' Tea, cocoa, raisins and currants were still sold loose when Servetus Hartley began in the Rochdale Co-op. Then the manufacturers began to send their goods in packets:
'We were selling loose things, weighing them out, and that was our labour. We thought that if it came in packets there wouldn't be any jobs.'
But pre-packaging was only one of the changes that swept through retailing. From the family-owned shop to the multiple chain, from counter-service to the supermarket, there was a constant turnover. Many went out of business. Others became millionaires. Narrator John Woodvine
Music by CARL DAVIS
Videotape editor CHRIS BOOTH Film editor DAVE LEE
Reseacher JOANNA CUNTON-DAVIS Producer AVERIL WARD
Executive producer PETER PAGNAMENTA
Book, same title, 910.75 from booksellers ie Subtitles on Ceefax page 270