The Rag Trade

(1977) season 1

The sitcom centres on a small clothing workshop, Fenner's Fashions, in London, with the title referencing the textile industry. Harold Fenner runs the workshop, but the female workers are led by militant shop steward Paddy Fleming. Fleming is ever ready to blow her whistle and call her "Brothers" out on strike with her famous catchphrase, "Everybody out!"

Where to Watch (1977) season 1

15 Episodes

Stay In Strike
E1
Stay In StrikeFenner entertains a German client who's keen to see the workforce. Unfortunately, it's before nine o'clock and the workers aren't working. To ensure the staff arrive on time, a clocking-in machine is installed which leads to a strike.
The Sample
E2
The SampleThe girls have produced an exclusive Italian sample dress for a potential buyer. Unfortunately, when the buyer arrives to see it, Kathy is wearing it out on a date.
Fixing The Rate
E3
Fixing The RateFenner has a problem - a rising wage bill and falling production. To improve the situation, he sets up a time and motions study. The girls of course throw a spanner in the works.
The Lunch Problem
E4
The Lunch ProblemThe local diner has put its prices up, leaving the girls out of pocket. They are outraged when Fenner refuses to give them a special subsidy, so they take special measures to dine in luxury at the factory.
The Export Order
E5
The Export OrderFenner is ecstatic to land an order from the US. Knowing the American market is demanding, he insists on perfection. Unfortunately the girls spend the afternoon celebrating Kathy's birthday.
The Italian Line
E6
The Italian LineMr. Fenner brings in an Italian designer to help with the smooth running of the factory. Paddy is instantly opposed, until she meets the Italian heart-throb.
Olive's Baby
E7
Olive's BabyAfter a row with her old man, Olive has no choice but to bring her baby into work. Terrified that Fenner will disapprove, she tries her best to hide him.
The Wedding Dress
E8
The Wedding DressKathy announces that she's marrying Big Jim who works on an oil rig. To save her expense, the girls agree to make her a wedding dress from stock fabric. Unfortunately, Mrs. Fenner is helping to stock-take.
The Sideline
E9
The SidelineFenner has picked up an order for a line of fur coats. When Olive makes a panda toy with some of the waste, Paddy spots an opportunity to sell her new boyfriend, Roger, a batch of soft toys.
The Guvnor's Wife
E10
The Guvnor's WifeWhen Kathy and Paddy tape down the button which switches the intercom on, Mrs. Fenner hears some home truths from her husband who is talking with the girls in the work room.
The New Girl
E11
The New GirlMr. Fenner realises that during his absence, production plummets. To counter this, he hires stuck-up June to supervise. The girls hatch a plan to get rid of the stuck-up overseer.
The Bet
E12
The BetFenner gets the chance to supply a large chain with Fenner Fashions, however, the girls are distracted when they place a bet on the horses.
The Accident
E13
The AccidentWhen Kathy falls off a chair in the restroom while trying on a dress, Paddy tries to get her compensation by rigging up an accident in the workroom.
The New Brother
E14
The New BrotherSkilled seamstress Shana Ahmed is employed to complete the hand embroidery on a new line. Her husband objects to her working there and is worried that she'll pick up bad habits.
Christmas Rush
E15
Christmas RushMr Fenner has announced that the staff have until 5pm to get 36 dresses sewn up for a Christmas rush order. It does not look like that will happen, with his wife popping in and out all day, and the girls slacking off to go shopping, and Paddy has the task of buying Mrs Fenner's Christmas gift from her husband, for the 15th year in a row.