On this day in Yorkshire

Farmer fined for underpaying youth

January 26, 1952

Hours worked by a schoolmaster’s son, who went on a farm as a trainee, were raised at Otley yesterday, when William A. Carver, a farmer, of Grange Farm. Clifton, was fined £1 for failing to pay the full wages due to John Benfield (17), of Lister Street. Ilkley.

The Bench estimated the total deficiency in payments at £5 and made an order for £3 12s. costs. Mr A.J. Bligh, prosecuting, said Benfield was placed with Carver under the town boys’ training scheme and was with him from May to September. It was alleged he worked from 7am until 6.45pm, including Saturdays, and for two hours on Sundays.

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Allowing for overtime, said Mr Bligh, underpayments for the two weeks concerned in the summons were 3s 7d and 16s 3d. Benfleld’s father, a schoolmaster, had thought he looked tired and considering he was working far too long, complained to the Labour Officer.

Carver said there were no fixed times on the farm. Benfield started about 7.30, finished by six and usually had Saturday afternoon off.

Referring to the father’s complaint, he said: “Schoolmasters start late and finish early. They may have seemed long hours to him. but it was a half-day’s work for me.”

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