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
scheme (George: 1973, p.20).
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