Date: 21 September 2009
This book’s sub-title, How William Lever cleaned up the world, provides only a hint of how one extraordinary man used his personal fortune to influence and change society by practical measures founded on far-sighted beliefs. William Lever set about providing men, women and children with fresh air, good housing and fair wages by building the model town, Port Sunlight, to house his soap factory workers. He went on to build a school, hospital and community hall, surrounded the area with parkland and encouraged his men to set up a voluntary ambulance corps and fire brigade by rewarding them with an extra shilling a week for their troubles. In addition, he introduced pensions for all workers – men and women, reduced the hours of labour per week and acknowledged his female workers by paying them equal pay for equal work. William Lever did so much more than just make soap. He was forthright and outspoken but he put his money where his mouth was … all for the better of the working people. This is a fascinating read about a man who is rarely acknowledged for his enormous influence on and contribution to today’s society.
SM