What was the pattern of industrial relations between 1918 and 1939?

Learning objective – to be able to explain the pattern of industrial relations between government, management and workers in the interwar period. I can describe some of the key features and changes within interwar industrial relations. Grade D I can explain the changes within interwar industrial relations. Grade B I can explain and assess the impact and changes in industrial relations in the interwar period. Grade A

Starter – What is the message of the cartoon?

What was pattern of change within interwar relations? The brief post war boom led to increasing disputes between trade unions and the government. This was a legacy of long term industrial neglect and the boom in workers joining trade unions. The economic slump of the 1920s weakened the union position as many workers left the trade unions. The General Strike of 1926 challenged government policy but failed. Overall the period 1921 to 1939 was marked by comparatively low incidents of industrial action despite the 1930s being a period of hardship and unemployment for many in the traditional industrial heartlands.

What were the key changes in industry in the interwar period? Much of the traditional industry was still rooted in Victorian Britain. Iron ore and the coal industries in Scotland, south Wales and northern England were the key heavy industries. By the interwar period, they were outdated, suffered from underinvestment and could not compete with foreign competitors. The aftermath of the Great War saw demand for textiles and shipbuilding fall as rivals stepped in to the gap which Britain had left in the Great War and never relinquished their industrial position. Most workers would in these industries. However, the interwar period saw the rise of modern industries, such as the motor industry and chemicals. These industries centred around the Midlands and the south east of England. There was also the growth of light engineering companies which produced consumer goods. These industries used modern manufacturing techniques. Unionism was weaker in these industries and the wages were better.

What was the impact of these changes in industry? Many haver argued about the emergence of ‘two Englands’ in this period which were differentiated by the older and newer industries. They key changes with this development were – The older industries lost a third of their workforce. Those industries that made electrical appliances increased their workforce by 250%. The service industries boomed. The building industry expanded by 40%.

What was the impact of the Great Depression on industrial relations? Although unemployment never fell below one million in the interwar period – it rose to 3 million in Much of this was long term unemployment. Mass unemployment led to a fall of union membership by almost 50% - from 8 million in 1922 to 4.5 million in Against this backdrop, workers in the traditional heavy industries tended to fight harder for their jobs and pay. This was against employers wanting to make cuts and improve productivity. In the middle of this the government tried to supply support for the unemployed, but did not have the resources to do this. Also, the government tended to side with the employer in trade disputes. By 1939, traditional heavy industries were in terminal decline and working conditions remained poverty stricken.

Complete the Popplet!

Plenary Stick a copy of this visual representation of the Bonus Army into your exercise book. Beside each image write how it can contribute to answering the central question – ‘What were the key features of interwar industrial relations?’

Home learning task Pair up with another member of the class. Here are two events that relate to the British economic policy of the 1950s and 1960s. Between each pair, choose who is going to research which event. Devaluation of the pound in Stop go economics. Your task is to produce a one page summary of the events using bullet points and divided by sub-headings. This is to be exchanged with your partner next lesson.