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Centenary for Jobcentres

Published on: 1 February 2010

1 February marks the 100th anniversary of Labour Exchanges – what we now know as jobcentres – and 100 years of support for jobseekers and employers.

To mark the opening of the first labour Exchanges in 1910, Winston Churchill visited Hackney, Camberwell Green and Stepney. The 1910s Hackney Labour Exchange was at 27 and 29 Well Street.

Initial vacancies included a piano regulator and picture frame gilder in Shoreditch. At that time, Labour Exchanges had separate entrances for men, women, children and employers.

To mark the centenary the Hackney Museum will be running a special exhibition from 2 February until 6 March.