War Work in Scotland (SQA National 5 History): Revision Note

Summary 

Before the war broke out, industries such as shipbuilding, coal mining and metal work were in decline due to competition from cheaper products in other countries and falling orders. This meant that workers faced reduced hours, lower pay and layoffs.

When war broke out in 1914, everything changed. The UK government placed huge orders for warships, which brought employment to areas such as Clydeside. After the end of the war in 1918, orders collapsed and Scotland faced a post-war slump and unemployment, especially in shipbuilding, steel and coal industries.

War work

• The Munitions of War Act (1915) was introduced to maximise wartime production

  • It brought important industries under the government’s control

• Strikes were restricted and wage controls were introduced, which limited employers’ profits

• Women and semi-skilled workers were temporarily allowed to do what had previously been skilled men’s jobs

  • This was known as ‘dilution’ of labour

• HM Factory Gretna became one of the world’s largest munitions plants

• There was a high demand for armour plate and fuel during the war

  • This led to an increase in jobs in the metalwork and coal mining industries

• Access to the North Sea was restricted by mines and U-boats 

  • Many fishermen and boats were requisitioned by the government

• The boom in Scottish industries was temporary, as were the new employment opportunities for women and unskilled workers

  • After the war, there was less demand for shipbuilding, metalwork and coal 

  • This led to a postwar slump and increased unemployment

Women’s war work

• Before the war, most women worked in domestic service, textiles or home-based work

• War led to new opportunities for work as women took over the jobs previously done by men

  • Women receive lower pay than men for similar jobs and output

• The Restoration of Pre-War Practices Act (1919) pushed many women out of skilled posts when men returned from war

• During the war, tens of thousands of women were employed in munitions factories such as HM Factory Gretna

  • They were known as ‘Gretna Girls’

  • This was dangerous work, as there was a risk of TNT poisoning and accidents

• Dilution meant that women were employed in semi-skilled jobs in engineering shops supporting shipbuilding and armaments

• Women worked in Glasgow as tram conductors, bus conductors and railway clerks and porters

• The jute mills in Dundee employed women to make sandbags, webbing and ration sacks

• In Aberdeen, Fraserburgh and Peterhead, women were employed in fish processing

• The Women’s Land Army worked throughout Fife, Angus, Moray and the Highlands and Islands, milking, planting and harvesting

• VADs (Voluntary Aid Detachments) and the Red Cross employed women as nurses and ambulance drivers across Scotland.