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Impact of the Liberal Reforms - the sick
- 2. Problems facing the sick In 1911 there was no NHS. Someone who was sick needed to pay for treatment themselves (which few could afford) or rely on charity. Illness meant real financial problems as some people could not work at this time.
- 3. National Insurance Act The National Insurance Act 1911 was based on Lloyd George’s experiences of a similar scheme in Germany. The law was in two parts; Part 1 aimed to help the sick, whilst Part 2 was focused on unemployment.
- 4. Sick pay A national ‘sick pay’ scheme was established. Workers paid 4 pence per week when working. Employers also paid 3 pence, and the government 2 pence; it was known as “fourpence for ninepence”.
- 5. Sick pay If a worker was too sick to work they were paid 10 shillings per week for 13 weeks, then 5 shillings for 13 weeks. All workers aged 16-70 who earned less than £160 per year had to be insured.
- 6. Sick pay - benefits This stopped sick people who couldn’t earn money from immediately starving or losing their home. It also meant that people did not feel as though they had to work through illness, which helped many recover and get back to work.
- 7. Sick pay - Criticisms Sick pay was only paid for 26 weeks. Workers with long term illnesses still faced poverty. Women also received less – 35 pence maximum. This was a problem for families with women as the only earner.
- 8. Sick pay - Criticisms Other people complained about the costs. Low paid workers said they could not afford to lose 4p per week. Younger workers especially did not expect to get sick.
- 9. Medical treatment They could also see a doctor (for free) and be treated for illnesses such as tuberculosis. Insurance committees made lists of doctors who accepted patients and sick people could choose which one to visit.
- 10. Treatment - benefits People receiving sick pay were also eligible for basic healthcare treatment too. This was paid for with their weekly contributions. Getting healthcare meant that they would get better much quicker, and possibly not infect their family too.
- 11. Treatment - Criticisms However, the medical treatment was only available to the actual worker. If one of their family members was sick then they were not covered, meaning they still faced problems in paying for medical care.
- 12. Medical inspections In 1907, the Liberals introduced medical checks for young people. They were to be inspected three times during their school lives. From 1912, young people could also get basic treatment for certain illnesses identified.
- 13. Medical inspections Checking children’s health meant that health problems could be identified, and this meant the child’s parents could arrange treatment. If a child received treatment this could also stop the illness spreading to other children or family members.
- 14. Medical problems At first, children were inspected but not given free treatment, so many families could not afford to pay for treatment so the child continued to be ill. Other parents were angry and embarrassed at their children being inspected.