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For the first ten years of this period there was probably very little change. People were recovering from the war years and trying to get back to a more normal life. There was still some rationing in place so some food was still hard to buy. 96% of all males were in work and, in 1952, the working week was reduced from 52 hours to 48 hours for people in industrial jobs. People, including Richard's dad working for the government, would work until lunch time on Saturday but on Sunday nearly everything was closed. There were few household appliances meaning women didn't really have the time to go to work. Only 20% of all families had a washing machine although the very first laundrette had appeared in 1949. The period saw the rise of the trade unions to look after working class people followed by a series of strikes while they and the government fought for control and probably ended with the unions having less power but having won many improvements in working life. Only about 2 million people had a car so buses and trains were the only way to get around. People would take their holidays in the UK and in some industries all workers would be given the same weeks off. This meant the factories could be completely shut down and save power. Look up Wakes Week. There, something for you to do.
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