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.

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.

Modern Britain: The Liberal Reforms 1906 – 1914

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