Women had a very hard time and were often the only breadwinners in the family, employed because they were cheaper than the men. The world was hit hard by an economic depression in the 1920s and traditional industrial areas were hit hardest. Many workers were laid off. This meant that very little money was coming into homes. Many employers would prefer to hire women at this time as they could offer them much lower wages. This meant that as well as looking after their family, many women In industrial disputes in the 1920’s and 30’s there was no strike pay and the wives were the ones who had to struggle to make ends meet. Many lived on bread and margarine and tea and soup kitchens saved many from starvation. Women sacrificed everything for their families. It was said about miners’ wives — “The miners work seven hours themselves and work their women seventeen”.