Brown & May Employees, Devizes, On Short Time

Warminster Herald, Saturday 16 August 1879:

“NORTH WILTS FOUNDRY. – Much excitement has been created in this town [Devizes] by the announcement that, in consequence of the continued depression in trade, Messrs. Brown and May, the eminent engineers, have determined to put their employees on short time. The foundry may also be said to keep Devizes going, there being over 200 operatives employed at the works, the sum of money paid every week in wages being very large. The reduction contemplated is 2 and a half hours every day, and commenced on Friday. It is also rumoured that several hands will be discharged. Messrs. Brown and May have, until now kept their works at full time.”