The first women's trade union, the Women's Protective and Provident League, was founded in 1875 by Emma Paterson. The union represented dressmakers, upholsterers, bookbinders, artificial-flower makers, feather dressers, tobacco, jam and pickle workers, shop assistants and typists.

In 1903 the union later changed its name to the Women's Trade Union League. Mary Macarthur became Secretary and other important figures in the union included Margaret Bondfield, Dorothy Jewson and Susan Lawrence.