Repressive Action Against Factory Reform

Factory owners saw wages as a way to dictate the working day and a fine payment should act as a way to reduce discontent

Government removal of regulation either appeased discontent or evidenced the interest in keeping middle class content:

• 1799/1800 - Combination Act
• 1813 - Repeal of the Statute of Artificers - no regulation of wages or working conditions
• 1824 - Repeal of Combination Act
• 1846 - Corn Laws repealed

Population increase meant that there was always demand for employment which allowed…