How significant a problem was unemployment in the inter war years in Britain?

How significant a problem was unemployment in the inter war years in Britain? The First World War had a massive impact on Britain's economy. The outdated economic models in place were not sufficient to sustain a blow of such magnitude. Not only this but the empire that formed such a pillar to that economy began to diminish. Consequently the economy was left in ruins. Between 1914 and 1938 the amount of cotton processed in Britain fell by 66%. …

…if only with a measure of caution. None the less unemployment certainly affected a huge number of people, regions, towns and cities. An official government source from 1932 put the total at an understated 3 million. But it clear it was further reaching than this. Bibliography Hobsbawn, E. 'Industry and Empire' (London: Penguin, 1999) Vincent, D 'Poor Citizens: The State and the Poor in Twentieth Century Britain' (London: Longman, 1992) Clarke, P 'Hope and Glory: Britain 1900-1990 (London: Penguin 1996)