National Registration Act, 1915
The Act aimed to establish a register of all civilians
between the ages of 15 and 65. Its objective was to address the labour shortage
created by the large number of volunteers joining the Forces, which left
essential industries without key workers.
Bernard Mallet, the Registrar General for England, set up a
system whereby on registration day, 15 August 1915, everyone was to fill in a
form showing personal details, nature of employment, and any other work which
they were skilled and able, and willing to do. Each local authority organised
the forms.
The register also facilitated the efficient deployment of
labour as the government imposed greater controls on the workforce. The forms
listed any alternative trades for each individual, whether currently practiced
or not. Additionally, the register served as a resource when conscription was
introduced in 1916.
Following the First World War, all the records were
destroyed.
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