It is impossible in these notes to attempt any comprehensive review of the system of compulsory Unemployment Insurance which has operated in this country since 1912. Moreover, the paper by Messrs Kyd & Maddex read before the Institute in January 1929 gives full information up to that date. But I want to start by outlining the original scheme, as I think the way in which it has been modified and extended may be found of interest.The system began with the National Insurance Act, 1911, Part II. Contributions commenced in July 1912 and benefit in January 1913. Only a few industries which were considered to carry a specially heavy risk of unemployment were included, and the numbers insured at the outset were about 2¼ millions. Contributions were 2¼d. per week each from employer and worker, and 1⅔d. from the Exchequer. Benefit was 7s. per week, with a limitation of one week's benefit for every five contributions paid, and a maximum of fifteen weeks' benefit in a year.
