What happened to peoples jobs in the plague 1665?

The Great Plague of 1665 had profound effects on the employment and livelihoods of people in London and the surrounding areas. Here's an overview of what happened to people's jobs during the plague:

Reduced Demand for Labor:

- The plague caused widespread illness and death, leading to a significant decline in the city's population. With fewer people alive to consume goods and services, the demand for labor fell across many industries.

Closure of Businesses:

- Many businesses were forced to close or significantly reduce their operations due to the plague's impact on their workforce. Tradespeople, merchants, retailers, and craftsmen were among those whose jobs were affected.

Increased Unemployment:

- With businesses closing or scaling back, unemployment rates soared. Many workers were left jobless and faced severe economic hardship.

Migration and Relocation:

- Some individuals sought opportunities in the countryside or other less affected areas, hoping to escape the plague and find employment there. This led to a migration of workers away from London.

Changes in Work Arrangements:

- To mitigate the spread of the plague, businesses that remained open often adopted new work arrangements, such as reduced working hours, increased reliance on apprentices, and work-from-home options when feasible.

Economic Impact:

- The plague's disruption of the economy and job losses led to a decline in trade, commerce, and overall economic activity. This caused financial strain on both businesses and individuals.

Relief Efforts:

- The government and charitable organizations implemented various relief measures to assist those affected by the plague. This included providing food, shelter, and financial support to individuals who lost their jobs and were unable to earn a living.

The Great Plague of 1665, therefore, brought significant changes to the labor force and the economy, resulting in widespread job losses, closures of businesses, and profound social and economic distress for many people in London and the surrounding region.