Ringfence

As on the docks, a wartime Essential Work Order gave the miners a minimum weekly wage and 'ring-fenced' employment in the industry. This constraint was not removed until 1950.

Coalmining and agriculture were designated as 'ring-fenced' industries. As in wartime, the ministry was sparing in its use of legal sanctions, preferring to keep these powers in the background as far as possible. But in 1948, the ministry issued 302 directions, 288 of which required people to remain in mining or agriculture.