Welfare Of Employees

When the site was enlarged in 1895 with the purchase of the Bournbrook Estate, recreational facilities were also enlarged. A swimming pool was built, young employees were encouraged to play games, and works outings to the country were organised. Medical and dental departments were established and in 1906 the pension fund was launched, with a capital gift from the company.

The Cadbury brothers were pioneers in industrial relations and employee welfare, setting standards other enlightened employers followed. As the company prospered, new work practice ideas were implemented and additional facilities were provided for the workforce.

A piecework system was related to output and small rewards were given for punctuality. Cadbury was the first firm to introduce the Saturday half-day holiday (five and a half day working week) and were pioneers in adopting the custom of closing the factory on Bank Holidays.