The Making Of Modern Britain #9: Reforms - Unemployed Flashcards
1
Q
What did the The National Insurance Act 1911 (Part 2) do?
A
- this unemployment benefit was similar to the health insurance, with employer, employee, and state making weekly contributions into a fund of money
- once a worker and paid enough they had the right to withdraw money from this fund
- The National Insurance Act came into effect on 15July 1912
2
Q
Why was there opposition to Liberal unemployment reforms?
A
Mainly because of the cost, some resented government ‘interference’
3
Q
What was the contribution breakdown of The National Insurance Act 1911 (Part 2)?
A
- employees contributed 2.5pence/week
- employers contributed 2.5pence/week
- state contributed 1pence/week
4
Q
What benefits were included in The National Insurance Act 1911 (Part 2)?
A
- 7shillings/week for up to 15weeks
- a weeks benefit was paid for every 5weeks of contributions paid
- benefit was paid through the labour exchanges
5
Q
When was the Labour Exchange Act passed?
A
1908
6
Q
On 1 February 1910, how many labour exchanges opened across Britain?
A
83 - Winston Churchill visited 17
7
Q
Who ran Labour exchanges?
A
Government officials with the aim that unemployed workers could go there to find work
8
Q
By 1911, how many exchanges were there?
A
414 - proving it was a good idea
9
Q
2 successes of the Labour Exchange Act (1908)
A
- 414 by 1911 proved effectiveness in helping them find jobs
- also offered a place for workers to mend their clothes and washing facilities to get them cleaned
- 2.25 million covered
10
Q
2 weaknesses of Labour Exchange Act (1908)
A
- not compulsory: employers didn’t not have to declare vacancies, workers did not have to register
- manual and casual labourers didn’t use them as much as skilled workers because the couldn’t read and write very well, so the poorest workers did not get the most help
