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The Combination Acts
The Combination Acts outlawed the worker associations that tried to promote their own economic interests. It was repealed in 1824 then reinstated in 1825. After 1825, labor unions were allowed, but they were heavily restricted. -
Frame Breaking Act
The Frame Breaking Act of 1812 made the destruction of textile machines illegal and punishable by death. This act was brought about by the actions of the Luddites, workers who were afraid that the machines would steal their jobs. -
Corn Laws
The Corn Laws placed a tariff on imported grain (such as wheat), which resulted in high prices of grain. These laws were instated to help support domestic grain producers. -
The Gagging Acts
These acts were passed to do multiple things. The Treason Act made it high treason to kill the Prince Regent. The Seditious Meetings Act made it illegal to have a meeting of more then 50 people. -
Reform Act
The Reform Act of 1832 caused redistricting in order to reflect the population shifts that resulted from the Industrial Revolution. The Reform Act was supported by the Whigs who wanted to get rid of the rotten boroughs system which allowed small towns to have parliamentary representation while newer, bigger cities had no representation in Parliament. The Reform Act also allowed urban middle class men to vote, which meant that 1/6 of all men could vote rather than only 1/12 of all men. -
Factory Act
The Factory Act set rules to improve conditions for child workers in factories. It prohibited children under nine years of age from working and required employers to have an age certificate for their child workers. It stated that children ages 9-13 could only work nine hours a day, ages 13-18 could only work 12 hours a day, and none could work at night. It required children to have two hours of schooling each day, and also required factories to appoint four factory inspectors to enforce the law. -
Mines Act
The Mines Act of 1842 kept women and children under ten years old from working in the mines. It was a response to the Children's Employment Commission 1842 report that was headed by Lord Ashley. -
Corn Laws Repealed
The Corn Laws which put in place in 1815 imposed a tariff on imported grain, primarily wheat. This was meant to keep grain prices high in order to help domestic producers. The Corn Laws were supported by the Tories and opposed by the Whigs. They were repealed in 1846. -
Factory Act of 1847 (Ten Hours Act)
The Factory Act of 1847, also known as the Ten Hours Act, restricted women and children between the ages of 13 and 18 to working only ten hours a day. This bill was also supported by Lord Ashley.
