The Unemployed

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

Another group targeted by these Social reforms was the unemployed.

Question 2

Knowledge 1

Answer 2

In 1908, the Liberals passed the Labour Exchange Act which were similar to Job Centres, and provided a place where the unemployed could find out what jobs were available in the area.

Question 3

Analysis 1

Answer 3

This successfully improved the lives of the unemployed as the Labour Exchanges provided washing facilities, clothes mending facilities, and refreshments to make these exchanges more attractive to workers.

Question 4

Knowledge 2

Answer 4

The Liberals also passed the 1911 Insurance Act. It was a combination of state and worker contributions. The worker would then receive 7s per week for up to 15 weeks.

Question 5

Analysis 2

Answer 5

This act had success as the insurance fund prospered and by 1914, had a surplus of £23 million in it.

Question 6

Counter Analysis

Answer 6

however, it can be argued these acts had many limitations. For example, the Insurance Act did not help the long-term unemployed and also excluded a number of occupations.

Question 7

Evaluation

Answer 7

To evaluate, it is clear that the Liberals had made some attempt to support the unemployed, it was not enough. The act had many limitations that came with it such as the fact that employers did not have to advertise their jobs and even if someone managed to get a job, the wages were low, and unable to pull people over the poverty line.