University Archives
National Unemployed Workers Movement
The NUWM, formed in 1921 with the appointment of Walter Hannington as national organiser, was the largest and most confrontational of the groups which emerged to defend the unemployed during the inter-war period. Attempts to gain affiliation to the Trades Union Congress were refused due to the Communist associations of its leaders. The NUWM sought to raise the profile of the unemployment issue through hunger marches, and campaigned against legislation decreasing the level of assistance paid to the unemployed.
Amongst the papers of Reginald Bridgeman are two files on the NUWM, containing correspondence about activities in Southall and Uxbridge, Bridgeman’s work as a NUWM representative before the Court of Referees, 1931-36, and publicity material issued by the campaign committee of the National Congress and March Council, following the Hunger March in February 1934 [DBN/20]. Photocopies of reports of the 6th and 7th National Conferences and reports from meetings of the National Administrative Council between 1931 and 1936 are also held [DX/70/21 - originals in the Library at cqHD 8383 N27 N2]. The Library also has over 20 NUWM publications.