Government Regulation of Working Conditions: A Historical Overview

Governments began to regulate working conditions for various reasons, with humanitarianism, utilitarianism, moral zeal, and gradual acceptance playing key roles in driving these regulatory efforts.

Firstly, humanitarian concerns inspired by Christian beliefs were a prominent factor leading to regulations on working conditions. Many Members of Parliament, irrespective of their political affiliation (Whig, Tory, or Radical), believed it was their Christian duty to aid the weaker members of society. For instance, the passing of the Cotton Mills and Factories Act in 1819 aimed to regulate the hours and conditions of work for children in the cotton industry, reflecting a desire to protect vulnerable members of the workforce.

Secondly, the rise of utilitarianism, a philosophical approach championed by Jeremy Bentham, contributed to the push for government intervention in labor conditions. Utilitarianism emphasized promoting 'the greatest happiness of the greatest number' and called for the protection of the weak, vulnerable, and poor by the government. This ideology underpinned the Factory Acts of 1833 and 1844, which sought to set precise laws and rigorously enforce them to improve working conditions for the laboring population.

Moreover, moral zeal played a significant role in prompting government actions to regulate working conditions. Commissions investigating industries such as coal mines were shocked to discover women working underground in deplorable conditions, leading to the passing of the 1842 Mines Act. This legislation not only aimed to improve working conditions but also sought to uphold moral standards by prohibiting certain practices deemed unacceptable.

Lastly, the gradual acceptance of the need for government intervention in response to the transformations brought about by industrialization spurred the regulation of working conditions. As industrialization reshaped society and the economy, governments recognized the necessity of adopting a more interventionist role. In addition to labor regulations, laws were passed to regulate key industries such as railways and banks, exemplified by the Railway Regulation Acts of 1840 and 1844 and the Bank Charter Act of 1844.

In conclusion, a combination of humanitarianism, utilitarianism, moral zeal, and the acknowledgment of the changing socio-economic landscape due to industrialization drove governments to regulate working conditions. These factors collectively shaped the evolution of labor laws and policies aimed at protecting workers and improving their well-being in the face of industrial progress.