Welcome to the SSLH

Founded in 1960, the Society for the Study of Labour History (SSLH) is the UK’s principal organisation dedicated to the study of labour history.

Membership is open to everyone who would like to learn more about labour history and heritage whether on a professional or amateur basis.

The SSLH publishes the journal the Labour History Review, organises regular conferences and actively promotes the preservation of historical resources connected to the labour movement.

What’s new

MA & BA bursaries

Jonathan McDowell (University of Manchester) on the 1984-5 miners’ strike, unionisation and community policing

The 1984-5 Miners’ Strike saw the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) engage in an industrial dispute with the government-directed National Coal Board. Despite unprecedented support from coalfield women, the miners returned to work after almost twelve months without having achieved their aims. In the end, the strike ultimately preceded the closure of scores of collieries… Continue reading Jonathan McDowell (University of Manchester) on the 1984-5 miners’ strike, unionisation and community policing

Labour History Review

Winners of the LHR postgraduate essay prize named

The 2026 Labour History Review essay prize has been awarded to Peter Hanley (Queen’s University Belfast) and the runner-up prize to Paloma Miravet Llorens (Universitat Jaume I). Peter Hanley (Queen’s University Belfast) received the award for his essay, ‘Thinking the unthinkable? Frank Field and the limits of welfare reform under New Labour, 1997-2001’. And Paloma… Continue reading Winners of the LHR postgraduate essay prize named

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