Marks & Spencer - Conditions of Employment Booklet 1996 - Extract 1

Marks & Spencer. 1996. Extract from the Conditions of Employment 1996 Booklet. Page 5.

This extract from the booklet provides an interesting comparison to the internal M&S documents of the 1940's.

Note the introduction of 'Equal Opportunities' policy and the absence of gendered language such as 'Manageress'. The fact that marital status, gender, and sexual orientation are listed among the qualities irrelevant to employment is a significant improvement. These changes, and the introduction of company policies protecting employees from discrimination, harassment and victimisation can be argued to have resulted from the work of the women's liberation movement in raising awareness of gender-based discrimination in the workplace, and demanding "equal education and job opportunities".

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Source: Marks & Spencer Company Archive