During the Victorian era, which lasted from 1837 to 1901, working conditions for women and children in Great Britain were generally harsh and exploitative, especially in the factories and mines that dominated the industrial economy of the time.

Many women worked in textile mills, where they were employed as spinners, weavers, and other roles that required long hours of tedious and often dangerous work. These jobs were often low-paying and offered few protections for the workers, who were vulnerable to accidents, illness, and mistreatment from their employers.

Children were also commonly employed in factories, mines, and other industries, where they were often forced to work long hours in dangerous conditions. Many worked as apprentices or laborers, performing physically demanding tasks that could be hazardous to their health and safety. Child labor was particularly prevalent in the textile industry, where children as young as six or seven were put to work in the factories.

The conditions in which women and children worked during the Victorian era were often grim and dehumanizing. Many worked in poorly ventilated factories and mines, where they were exposed to harmful chemicals and dust. The long hours and physically demanding work took a toll on their health, and many suffered from chronic illnesses and injuries as a result.

Despite the harsh working conditions, many women and children were forced to work in order to support themselves and their families. The lack of government regulation and oversight allowed employers to exploit their workers with little fear of consequences. It was not until later in the 19th century that labor laws began to be implemented to protect workers' rights and improve working conditions.

In response to public outcry and pressure from labor activists, the British government began to implement a series of laws, rules, and regulations to protect women and children in the workplace during the latter half of the 19th century. Some of the most significant measures included:

The Factory Acts: These laws, passed between 1833 and 1901, regulated the hours of work for women and children in factories and set minimum standards for workplace safety and sanitation.

The Mines Act of 1842: This law prohibited the employment of women and girls underground in coal mines, where they were at risk of injury and illness from exposure to coal dust and other hazards.

The Education Acts: These laws, passed between 1870 and 1891, mandated that children between the ages of 5 and 12 attend school, reducing the number of child laborers in factories and other industries.

The Employers and Workmen Act of 1875: This law established legal protections for workers' rights to organize and form trade unions.

The Truck Act of 1831: This law prohibited employers from paying their workers in goods or services instead of money, ensuring that workers had access to fair wages.

The Workmen's Compensation Act of 1897: This law provided workers with compensation for injuries suffered on the job, making employers responsible for ensuring safe working conditions.

Overall, these laws and regulations represented an important step toward improving the working conditions and protecting the rights of women and children in Great Britain during the Victorian era. While much work remained to be done to achieve full workplace safety and labor rights, these measures helped pave the way for future generations of workers to enjoy greater protections and opportunities.