Combination Act
Encyclopedia
The Combination Act 1799, titled An Act to prevent Unlawful Combinations of Workmen (short title 39 Geo. III, c. 81), prohibited trade unions and collective bargaining by British workers. An additional act was passed in 1800 (39 & 40 Geo III c. 106).
as a response to Jacobin activity and the fear that workers would strike during a conflict to force the government to accede to their demands.
played a role in this. However, in response to the series of strikes that followed, the Combination Act of 1825 was passed, which allowed labour unions but severely restricted their activity.
Background
Following their repeal in 1824, the Combination Act of 1825 was passed. Collectively these acts were known as the Combination Laws. The 1799 and 1800 acts were passed under the government of William Pitt the YoungerWilliam Pitt the Younger
William Pitt the Younger was a British politician of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He became the youngest Prime Minister in 1783 at the age of 24 . He left office in 1801, but was Prime Minister again from 1804 until his death in 1806...
as a response to Jacobin activity and the fear that workers would strike during a conflict to force the government to accede to their demands.
Significance
The legislation drove the labour organisations underground. Sympathy for the plight of the workers brought repeal of the acts in 1824. Lobbying by the radical tailor Francis PlaceFrancis Place
Francis Place was an English social reformer.-Early career and influence:Born in the debtor's prison which his father oversaw near Drury Lane, Place was schooled for ten years before being apprenticed to a leather-breeches maker. At eighteen he was an independent journeyman, and in 1790 was...
played a role in this. However, in response to the series of strikes that followed, the Combination Act of 1825 was passed, which allowed labour unions but severely restricted their activity.
See also
- Bubble Repeal, etc Act 1824
- Le Chapelier Law 1791 in France sought to do the same