Reserved Occupations

During the Second World War the British government was constantly monitoring the success of its various policies concerning the Home Front. The government was also aware of the possibility that it might be necessary to introduce legislation to deal with any emerging problems.

It is December 1941. You have been asked to write a report on Schedule of Reserved Occupations. This is to be divided into two sections.

Reserved Occupations: Main article

(1) A report on the Schedule of Reserved Occupations.

Things you should consider include:

(a) When was the Schedule of Reserved Occupations published?

(b) Why did the government issue the Schedule of Reserved Occupations?

(c) What did the National Service (Armed Forces) Act say about reserved occupations?

(2) A report that includes proposals about the changes that you would like to see in government policy. These proposals will then be discussed and voted on by the rest of the class.

Things you should consider include:

(a) Was the Schedule of Reserved Occupations a fair system?

(b) Would it be a better idea to conscript people in the Reserved Occupations and get women to do these jobs?