1970-79

• 1971 Industrial Relations Act - attempt to weaken power of Trade Unions but was unsuccessful + repealed in 1974.
• The 1977 Housing Act made local governments responsible for housing the homeless.
• The Police Act of 1976 made the complaints system for the Police more efficient.
• • The 1977 Education Act limited the number of independent or grant-funded schools in any one area.
• The Three-Day Week: Between 1973 and 1974, industrial action and strikes necessitated that electricity use be limited to three consecutive days.
• Winter of Discontent - term given to the period of widespread striking between November 1978 and February 1979.
• Edward Heath contributions:

  • led UK into EEC
  • 1971 Industrial Relations Act, but repealed in 1974
  • Miner strikes 1972+74 -> led to ‘Three-Day-Week’
• James Callaghan contributions:

  • Housing Act 1977
  • Police Act 1976
  • 1977 Education Act
  • Britain’s economy was in disarray, Callaghan cut wages -> this led to the Winter of Discontent