U - Unemployed

Occupations have been included on all English and Welsh censuses since 1841. Prior to that census not even names were recorded, just tally marks for sex, age group and what type of industry. Over time the details collected has changed and the statistical way that occupations are grouped and categorised. In 1841 there were 877 different occupations recorded

By 1851 occupations had begun to be categorised with 17 types of work and 91 sub categories. From 1861 the use of "apprentice" and "journeyman" began to be used correctly. Prior to this census, workers may have been recorded as an apprentice or a journeyman (one who had completed an apprenticeship but was not yet qualified to employ workers of their own), but that may not have been correct.

In 1881, additional information was added. Not only was the trade or occupation recorded, it was noted if the person was currently employed. Here we see "Cabinet Maker Unemployed", "Domestic Servant out of work" and similar entries. Before 1881, we have most likely just seen the occupation and assumed our ancestor was gainfully employed. Maybe not. How did they get by ? 

No jobkeeper payments or welfare system doling out money and food. They would have been reliant on their own means, if they had any resources, or reliant on the parish and their wider families. Many would find themselves in a workhouse, their entire family might have to be admitted too with no breadwinner to support them. Today's population seems quite entitled, in comparison, having never lived in a society without a welfare system funded by government.

My 3x great grandmother found herself in the workhouse with her father and her 5 youngest children after her husband died. My 4 x great grandmother, recently widowed, died standing in line at the workhouse for food relief.

Later censuses also recorded whether each person was an employer or worker; whether they worked from home or went out to work. When the 1921 census is released for public research next year we will be able to see the address of our ancestor's workplace as well as their occupation.

Church records began recording occupations in 1812 on baptism records and later on marriage records. Sometimes curates and ministers recorded extra information, or made notes in what might have been a "judgy" tone. I came across some early baptisms recently where the minister had made additional notes. When several base-born (illegitimate) babies were baptised instead of leaving the "Trade" column blank as most were want to do, he wrote "domestic servant now of no useful trade", "no useful trade", and on others "formerly a soldier now of no use". I guess for the soldier, it might indicate that he had returned with injuries which did not allow him to return to his previous type of employment. But for the women, I felt it was a bit harsh.