Business Ethics

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Business Ethics

The development of business ethics in Britain

The Industrial Revolution, unchecked, led to the employment of millions in unhygienic conditions, with dangerous machinery, long hours, no holidays, pollution and very low wages. Workers were without rights. Over a period of 200 years, efforts were made to improve things, by trade unions, by parliamentry action, by brave groups and individuals- such as the Earl of Shaftesbury- who sought to imporve general working conditions, espicially in the area of child labour.

Progess was often slow. Only in 1970 was there an Equal Pay Act, ensuring both women and men get equal pay and treatment when working equivalent works. Until 1971, there was virtually no protection of a worker