Bob Cratchit, Scrooge's Clerk, has several working conditions which might be seen as difficult in today's world, but were probably not unusual at the time:
- He is paid 15 shillings a week which we are given to believe is less than the going rate.
- The office is cold and he has only a small fire and he can't replenish it
- The office is heated with coal with its odours and pollutants
- He must work a long day from 7 am to 7 pm (estimated duration) and can't leave before Scrooge
- He must argue to defend his right to days off such as Christmas
- He is forbidden to socialize with office visitors - the gentlemen and Scrooge's nephew
- He is under constant micromanagement from Scrooge's office
- His work station is not ergonomically designed
- Lighting in the office is by flickering candle light
- Scrooge mocks his lifestyle - number of children etc.
- Scrooge often threatens him with being fired
