Question

How did the abundance of labour in the market affect the lives of workers in England during the nineteenth century ? Explain with examples.

Answer 1

i) The abundance of labour in the market affected the lives of workers. As news of possible jobs travelled to the countryside, hundreds tramped to the cities.

ii) The actual possibility of getting a job depended on existing networks of friendship and kin relations.

iii) Many jobseekers had to wait weeks, spending nights under bridges or in night shelters. Some stayed in Night Refuges that were set up by private individuals; others went to the Casual Wards maintained by the Poor Law authorities.

iv) Seasonality of work in many industries meant prolonged periods without work. After the busy season was over, the poor were on the streets again.

v) The fear of unemployment made workers hostile to the introduction of new technology. When the Spinning Jenny was introduced in the woollen industry.