Employment conditions for the working classes during the 19th century were extremely hard. The working day of 12 or 13 hours was very long, and the pay was barely enough to live on. Mills were unhealthy places, with extremely high temperatures, high noise levels, pollution, accidents at work, etc. Children started work at a very young age. Women generally worked in the textile industry and earned less than the men. Jobs were insecure and recessions led to periods of unemployment. Injured or ill workers had no protected rights. The employers and the authorities imposed strict labour discipline.