Reasons for the Establishment of the Unemployment Assistance Board In 1932 Long term mass unemployment peaked in Britain with a rate of 10.6% of the workforce (crafts: 1991, p.78). Those few not covered by the 1911 contributory National Insurance Act could claim benefit up to six months until their payments had been exhausted. The poor law was the only benefit option left for those who had consumed their entitlement or who had not previously contributed to the National Insurance …showed first 75 words of 354 total…

…showed last 75 words of 354 total…a means test, who would receive the benefit and to how much they were entitled (Gazeley: 2003, p.127). During the 1930's mass unemployment endured far longer than first anticipated by the 1911 National Insurance Act, resulting in huge numbers of civilians falling back on the poor law. The stigma attached to the poor law and civil unrest combined with a change in government attitude towards the unemployed were all political factors in the establishment of the UAB.