Shops Act 1911

Shops Act 1911

The Shops Act of 1911 built on previous legislation to improve conditions for workers in retail. The Act introduced a half day in each working week. This built on previous legislation (1886) that limited the working hours in retail of those under 18 years of age to 74 hours per week.

Half Day Closing

The Shops Act also made provision for the fact that many shops had few employees. This meant that replacing one worker for a half day could be hard, if not impossible. The Shops Act 1911 dealt with this issue by introducing an early closing day. This meant that retailers would have to open for a half day once a week. At the time, legislation was also in place limiting the types of work and retail that could operate on Sundays.

Liberal Reforms - Homepage
Trade Disputes Act 1906Workmens Compensation Act 1906Merchant Shipping Act 1906
Education (Provision of Meals) Act 1906Education (Administrative Provisions) Act 1907Matrimonial Causes Act 1907
Coal Mines Regulation Act 1908Children's and Young Persons Act (Children's Charter) 1908Old Age Pensions Act 1908
Labour Exchange Act 1909Trade Board Act 1909Housing and Town Planning Act 1909
National Insurance Act 1911Shops Act 1911Coal Mines (Minimum Wage) Act 1912
British HistoryLiberal Reforms – Homepage

Trade Disputes Act 1906 Workmens Compensation Act 1906 Merchant Shipping Act 1906
Education (Provision of Meals) Act 1906 Education (Administrative Provisions) Act 1907 Matrimonial Causes Act 1907
Coal Mines Regulation Act 1908 Children’s and Young Persons Act (Children’s Charter) 1908 Old Age Pensions Act 1908
Labour Exchange Act 1909 Trade Board Act 1909 Housing and Town Planning Act 1909
National Insurance Act 1911 Shops Act 1911 Coal Mines (Minimum Wage) Act 1912
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