It was encouraging to see Essex and Suffolk Water was voted by its staff to be one of the better companies to work for (Standard, May 6).

When I started as a laboratory assistant in 1958 at Langford, for the Southend Waterworks Company, it was one of only 28 private water companies in England.

Dividends to shareholders were fixed at five per cent for them all, and water rates set at just enough to cover running costs and a small profit, unlike today.

All staff were treated to a Christmas dinner at Garron’s in Southend, with transport provided and paid for as well.

Additionally, for some years a large chicken was also provided to every staff member at Christmas, and other years a Christmas tree.

However, regarding the office workers, men had to wear jackets and ties, unless they were given permission in summer to remove their jackets.

Female staff had also to wear skirts of a decent length, and stockings. Married female staff were not employed.

Girls wishing to get married had to leave, until the general manager’s secretary wished to do so, then the rule was changed, and they were given, as a wedding present, £10 for each year they had worked for the company.

The men received nothing. How times have changed.

David N. Williams

Washington Road, Maldon