The Ministry of Labour

Abstract

The Ministry of Labour (MOL) was formed on 11th January 1917 and given responsibility for the management of industrial conflict. The decision to set up the Ministry was taken by Lloyd George ‘after a few minutes’ consideration’ in December 1916.¹ Until 1916 various government ministries had had a hand in labour matters. The new government sought to co-ordinate its labour activities and also to secure the allegiance of labour leaders and invited members of the Labour movement to participate. There was to be a seat in the Cabinet and two new Ministries headed by Labour (MOL and the Ministry of Pensions). The Minister of Labour acquired the role of labour adviser to the government. The Ministry of Labour was given responsibility for conciliation and arbitration. It was to administer the Conciliation Act 1896, the Labour Exchanges Act 1909, the Trade Boards Act 1909, the National Insurance (Unemployment) Acts 1911–1916 and Part 1 of the Munitions of War Act (concerning arbitration). The implementation of much of this legislation was previously the province of the Labour Department of the Board of Trade. The Ministry also acquired responsibility for the implementation of the Whitley Report, which proposed offering a measure of control over the running of industry to workers.²