In the early factory system the working week was 72 hours plus overtime for mill workers including children. For women it was much longer as they went home to cook, clean and wash for their families. During the 19th century working conditions were gradually and grudgingly reformed.
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Some worked hard and cared about their employees but many ruthlessly exploited the workforce. Their aim was to make handsome profits regardless of human cost. More on Mill owners		Managers were responsible for the day-to-day running of the mill and had their own comfortable offices. Often a member of the mill owner's family would become a manager. More on Managers		Workers had few rights or comforts, working long hours in appalling conditions for low pay or under the 'truck system'. Women and children were used as cheaper labour. More Mill workers
Textile industry began as a cottage industry. Handloom weavers continued to work at home supplied by spun cotton from mills until weaving looms were mechanised. More on Home workers		No equal opportunities existed. Women were given more menial jobs and worked for less pay than men. They also had sole responsibility for home and childcare. More on Women workers		Some child workers were as young as 7. Children could be apprenticed from 9 until they were 21. Apprentices learned few skills and were often unpaid. More on Child labour