Statute of Labourers 1351 facts for kids

The Statute of Labourers was an important law made in England in 1351. It was created by the English Parliament under King Edward III. This law was put in place because there was a big shortage of workers after a terrible disease spread across Europe.

What Was the Statute of Labourers?

The Statute of Labourers was a special law passed in 1351. It aimed to control how much people were paid for their work. It also tried to keep the prices of goods from rising too much. This law was a big deal because it tried to manage the economy during a difficult time.

Why Was This Law Needed?

A terrible disease called the Black Death swept through Europe in the mid-1300s. It killed a huge number of people, including many workers. This meant there were far fewer people available to work on farms or in towns. Because there were so few workers, the ones who survived could ask for much higher wages. They could also choose where they wanted to work.

Landowners and employers were worried about these rising costs. They asked the King and Parliament to do something. The Statute of Labourers was their answer to this problem.

What Did the Law Say?

The Statute of Labourers had several key rules:

• Fixed Wages: It said that workers could not ask for more money than they were paid before the Black Death. This meant wages were set at old, lower rates.
• No Leaving Jobs: Workers were not allowed to leave their current jobs. They had to stay with their employers.
• Working for Anyone: If someone asked you to work, you had to accept the job. You couldn't refuse to work for someone who needed you.
• Price Controls: The law also tried to stop the prices of food and other goods from going up. It wanted to keep things affordable.

How Did It Affect People?

The Statute of Labourers was very unpopular with many ordinary people. Workers felt it was unfair because it stopped them from earning more money. They believed they deserved higher wages because their skills were in high demand.

Even with the law, it was hard to stop wages from rising. Many workers still found ways to get better pay. Some employers also paid more because they desperately needed workers. The law showed how much the Black Death changed society. It also showed the power struggle between workers and employers.

The Statute of Labourers was one of the first laws in England to try and control the economy in such a detailed way. It had a lasting impact on how people thought about work and wages.