[absy]

Ive got this revision sheet to do with loads of question to answer. I've done the rest of the (about textile machines and the domestic system) but I am really stuck on the last question:
"Why did many factory owners resist attempts to improve working conditions"
The only thing I can think about is some owners putting extractor fans in to help workers but that isn't what the question asks.

Really need helpful website or info please!
Thanks

[MrJohnDClare]

They thought it would reduce their profits.
Better machinery/ machine guards/ extractor fans etc would cost them money.
Shorter hours/ fewer fines/ holidays with pay/ rest breaks wouldincrease the cost of labour.
Stopping employing women and children and employing men instead would icrease the hourly rate of py they had to pay.
In the meantime, there were plenty of people wnaing jobs in the factories, so they did not HAVE to improve conditions to attract workers.
So there was no ECONOMIC incentive to improve conditions.

It is worth noting that where factory owners did improve conditions, it was either because:
1. philanthropic owners did it because they cared (Owen) or because of religion (Titus Salt)
2. the government passed laws which MADE them (esp the 1833 Act which appointed inspectors to enforce the act).