History of ENT archive for September 2023

Photo showing members of the Matchmakers’ Union.

The Matchgirls and Phossy Jaw: a striking tale of industrial action

4 September 2023 | | ENT

Poor working conditions, long hours, low pay – and the prospect of a dangerous and disfiguring osteonecrosis of the jaw. These were the triggers for the 1400 ‘matchgirls’ of the Bryant and May factory to strike in July 1888, a...