Social Reform: Labour Legislation in 19th Century England

When the Industrial Revolution began, there were no laws in place to protect the workers. As we discussed before, children were popular as factory workers because they could be paid less and more easily controlled. Up to the 1830’s, the only law was the desire of owner or manager. Review – what were some conditions children had to endure working in textile factories?

Common day for many children labourers in Lancashire, England 1820.

Children working in a textile factory Many children also worked in coal mines, helping power England through the Industrial Revolution

In the early 1830’s many factory owners had no problem with this status quo. There were however, those who were beginning to speak out against child labour. Who would listen?

 Your task It is 1832. The gov’t has decided to set up a commission to investigate working conditions of children. This commission is willing to hear testimony from various groups involved with the textile industry in England. Parliament will decide on possible legislation based on your testimony. You will only have one chance so you will want to make a convincing case for or against reform.

Doctors Opposed to Child Labour Dr. Samuel Smith Dr. Michael Ward P. Gaskell (Medical Observer) Dr. William Blizard

Factory Owners/Politicians Opposed to Reform Henry Thomas Hope Archibald Buchanan

Various Observers and Supporters of Reform Robert Owen William Cobbett Robert Blincoe

Child Labourers David Elizabeth Rowland Bentley Joseph Eliza Hebergam Marshall

Michael Sadler In 1831 Michael Sadler (1780–1835), a member of the British Parliament, introduced a bill in Parliament to limit the number of hours that all children could work to ten hours per day. The success of his bill was by no means guaranteed.

(many of which you just read) Many members of Parliament were deeply committed to the policy of laissez-faire, meaning the government should not intervene in the operation of the economy. To present a convincing argument, Sadler collected testimony from dozens of individuals including doctors and children (many of which you just read)

Even though the 10 hour work day was not achieved, the bill was eventually was approved by Parliament as the Factory Regulations Act of 1833. The 1833 Factory Act was significant because also created an inspection team to ensure the regulations would be followed.

Did things change? 1833 Factory Act 1842 Mines and Colleries Act Cotton Mill

1833 Factory Act Children from 9 to 13 to work a maximum of 42 hours per week; also children aged 13 to 16 to work a maximum of 69 hours a week. No night work for anybody under the age of 18.

1842 Mines and Collieries Act Banned all women and children under 10 from working underground. No-one under 15 years was to work winding gear in mines.

1844 Factory Act Minimum age for working in factories reduced to 8 years old. 8 to 13 years old to work a maximum of six and a half hours a day. 13 to 18 year olds to work a maximum of 12 hours a day and the same applied to women. Safety guards had to be fitted to all machines.

1847 Factory Act 10 hour day introduced for under 18's and for women.

The long-term effect of these laws was the establishment in Western industrialized countries the principle that childhood was a period of life set aside for education rather than work.

However…child labour still exists today.