Describe the key features of the welfare reforms passed by the Liberal Governments of 1906-1911

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Describe the key features of the welfare reforms passed by the Liberal Governments of 1906-1911

        The liberal government under Bannerman passed limited reforms, by the time of his resignation the liberals were considered to be running out of steam. Trade Union reform such as the Trade Disputes Act had lead to slight dissatisfaction among Liberals as it turned out to be too radical. Other reforms such as the Merchant Shipping Act were not vote winners and failed to make any major impression. It wasn’t until 1908 when he resigned and the Liberals lead by Asquith began to push through more important reforming legislation.

        There were reforms designed to help children and a children’s charter introduced. School meals were being provided by the local authorities and in 1914 it became compulsory. Millions of school children benefited and national efficiency may have began to improve. A civil servant slipped into legislation without notice a clause making it compulsory for schools to provide medical checks for children. In 1912 the grants were given to pay for children’s treatment. The liberals also changed the way children offenders were treated setting up juvenile courts and stopping kids from being sent to adult prisons. Secondary schools also had to allow a certain percentage of kids into the school free of charge.

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        There were also measures to help the working people. The Coal Miners Act was the first time government intervened to place restrictions upon male working hours and in 1912 they introduced a minimum wage. To ease unemployment Labour Exchanges were set up which notified people of available jobs. Women and children benefited from the Trade Board Act which helped those in the dirty industries. The biggest most radical reform was the setting up of the National Insurance Act in 1911. It provided health insurance and unemployment insurance. It was introduced to help national efficiency and labour pressure forced the unemployment ...

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