Three-Day Week

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The Three-Day Week was one of several measures introduced in the United Kingdom by the Conservative Government 1970-1974 to conserve electricity, the production of which was severely limited due to industrial action by coal miners. The effect was that from 1974-01-01 until 1974-03-07 commercial users of electricity would be limited to three specified consecutive days consumption each week. Essential services were exempt.^[1]

[edit] Background

Throughout the early 1970s, particularly in 1972 and 1973, the British economy was troubled by high rates of inflation. One of the government's strategies to tackle this was to cap pay rises. This caused unrest amongst trade unions in that wages were struggling to keep pace with prices. This extended to most industries, most notably an industry where the union was dominant - coal mining.

By the middle of 1973, the National Union of Mineworkers had encouraged their members to work to rule - as a result, coal stocks slowly dwindled. The global effect of the 1973 oil crisis also drove up the price of coal. The Heath government entered into negotiations with the NUM, to no avail. To reduce electricity consumption, and thus conserve coal stocks, a series of measures were announced on 1973-12-13 by Heath, including the "Three-Day Work Order", more commonly known as the Three-Day Week, which was to come into force at midnight on 31 December. Commercial consumption of electricity would be limited to three consecutive days each week.^[1] Heath's objective was business continuity - survival. Rather than risk a total shutdown, working time was reduced with the intent of prolonging the life of available fuel stocks.

The general election held in February resulted in the resignation of Heath, and the return of power of Harold Wilson for his second term.

The normal working week was restored on 1974-03-08, but other restrictions on electricity use remained in force.^[1].

[edit] Notes

1. ^ ^{a b c} British Economics and Trade Union politics 1973-1974. The National Archives (UK Government records).