The Factory and Workshop Act 1901

[Old Sheffield]

What a different world our ancestors were brought into. The 1901 Act made some provisions, the Minimum working age was raised to 12. The act also introduced legislation regarding the education of children, meal times, and fire escapes. Children could also take up a full-time job at the age of 13 years old.

My Grandad turned 13 in December 1920, looking at date on the document he was issued the certificate in time for his birthday. 

He always said that he was taken to a grinding shop and the noise from the leather belts was horrendous, the grinders were all spitting blood from the dust on their lungs. He walked out and became a joiner. 

[Lysanderix]

We have progressed….but still have a way to go.As a major factor in the means of production Labour has been underestimated for years…except, arguably,  for the aftermath of the Black Death….when ,with an acute shortage of farm Labour wages rocketed.