Legislation was passed to ensure that the nation's workforce was available for the war effort, and the Trade Unions co-operated. Some people were required to leave their jobs and retrain. Skilled workers considered absolutely necessary for the war effort became reserved occupation. The governments compulsory powers extended to rich and poor alike.
For example, hundreds of young women left their homes and families in Scotland, travelling to stay in hostels in Birmingham and work in the factories. Tanks, guns, aircraft and munitions were needed and the nation's women volunteered. The miners, dockers and railway workers and the Merchant Navy were now also considered to be essential to the war effort and food production had to be increased.
In 1940, during a hot summer, determined factory engineers worked themselves to a standstill. This was considered to be not good at all, either for health or productivity, so more planning was introduced. Despite this, many full-time workers also became part-time air raid wardens and fire wardens or helped in other ways. Everyone contributed to the war effort, by doing whatever they could.
Britain also had to ensure it could defend itself against the threat of invasion and that despite continual air raids that essential services and basic living standards were maintained.
Motivating speeches were supplied by the nation's leaders via radio and the press, and The Picture Post published moving pictures of ordinary people at war.
The mobilisation of the nation required a phenomenal effort. Even our allies thought it couldn't be done. WWII had demanded and received an extraordinary response from the British people. "We could never have survived at all if we had not mobilised our manpower......if the people had not been willing."
Source: Manpower - The Story of Britain's Mobilisation For War
Prepared for the Ministry of Labour and National Service by the Ministry of Information. (First published 1944)
The Picture Post Album by Robert Kee
