Child labour in the British Industrial Revolution
When the Industrial Revolution began, manufacturers used children as a workforce.[1] Children often worked the same 12 hour shifts as adults.[2] By the 1820s, 50% of English workers were under the age of 20.[1][3] Child were the cheapest labour at the time. A child worker was 80% cheaper than a man and 50% cheaper than a women.[2]
From 1800 to 1850, children made up 20-50% of the mining workforce.[2]
Children made up 33% of Factory workers.[2]
Child Labour Laws
[edit]The 1802 Health and Morals of Apprentices Act stipulated child apprentices shouldn't work more then 12 hours a day, must be given a basic education, and must attend church services church twice a month.[2] The law was ineffective because of it failed to provide for enforcement.[4]
The 1819 Cotton Mills and Factories Act limited work to children 9 years old or older, and children couldn't work more then 12 hours a day if they weren't 16 years old or older. It also set possible working hours as between 6 am and 9 pm.[2]
The 1833 Factory Act stipulated that no child under the age of 9 could be legally employed, children 9 to 13 years old couldn't work more then 8 hours, and children 14 to 18 couldn't work more then 12 hours a day, children couldn't work at night, children needed to attend a minimum of 2 hours of education a day, employers needed age certificates for their workers.[2][5] It also appointed four factory inspectors to enforce the law.[5] A report by the Factory inspectors in 1835 stated child labour in child factory in textile factories decreased by 50%.[6]
The 1842 Mines Act stipulated no child under 10 years old could be employed in any underground work.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Michon, Heather (2021-03-21). "The History of Child Labor in England: From the Industrial Revolution to Reforms and Changing Attitudes". The Economic Historian. Retrieved 2024-11-30.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Cartwright, Mark. "Child Labour in the British Industrial Revolution". World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2024-11-30.
- ^ Ciocan, Alin (2024-05-31). "UK Child Labour Laws: A Historical Overview". Labour Laws UK. Retrieved 2024-11-30.
- ^ "Factory Act | 1833, Significance, & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2024-12-01.
- ^ a b Archives, The National. "The National Archives - Homepage". The National Archives. Retrieved 2024-12-01.
- ^ Ciocan, Alin (2024-07-09). "The Evolution of Child Labour Laws in the UK: A Comprehensive Historical Guide". Labour Laws UK. Retrieved 2024-12-01.