Disappearing jobs: A London lamplighter Ahead of International Workers' Day on May 1st, AFPTV spoke to men and women around the globe whose jobs are becoming increasingly rare, particularly as technology transforms societies. In London, Iain Bell is one of the few remaining lamplighters. In the 19th century thousands of them lit each of London's gas streetlamps by hand. Over the years electricity has gradually replaced gas and the remaining lamps now turn on and off automatically, but they still need servicing and maintenance from workers like Iain.