Thatcherite Economic Reforms in the United Kingdom (1979–1990)

1. Conservatives win 1979 general election

   May 3, 1979Labels: Conservative Party, Margaret Thatcher

   • UK Parliament

2. First Thatcher budget shifts tax strategy

   Jun 12, 1979Labels: Geoffrey Howe, UK Budget

   • 1979 Budget

3. Employment Act restricts picketing and closed shops

   Aug 1, 1980Labels: Employment Act, Trade Unions

   • UK Legislation
   • Employment Act

4. Housing Act launches “Right to Buy”

   Aug 8, 1980Labels: Housing Act, Council Housing

   • UK Legislation
   • Housing Act

5. British Aerospace flotation begins large privatizations

   Feb 20, 1981Labels: British Aerospace, Privatization

   • Hansard
   • National Archives

6. 1981 budget tightens fiscal policy in recession

   Mar 10, 1981Labels: UK Budget, Fiscal Policy

   • 1981 Budget

7. Employment Act expands legal liability for unions

   Oct 28, 1982Labels: Employment Act, Trade Unions

   • UK Legislation
   • Employment Act

8. Miners’ strike begins, testing union-government power

   Mar 6, 1984Labels: Miners' Strike, National Union

   • Miners strike

9. Telecommunications Act sets up BT privatization and regulation

   Apr 12, 1984Labels: Telecommunications Act, British Telecom

   • UK Legislation
   • Telecom Act

10. Trade Union Act requires secret ballots for strikes

    Jul 26, 1984Labels: Trade Union, Trade Unions

    • UK Legislation
    • Trade Union Act

11. “Big Bang” deregulates the London Stock Exchange

    Oct 27, 1986Labels: Big Bang, London Stock

    • Big Bang
    • Fin Services Act

12. Community Charge starts in Scotland under poll tax reforms

    Apr 1, 1989Labels: Community Charge, Scotland

    • Scotland Act
    • LG Finance Act

13. Water Act reorganizes and privatizes England-Wales water services

    Jul 6, 1989Labels: Water Act, Water Industry

    • UK Legislation
    • Water Act

14. Electricity Act enables electricity industry privatization

    Jul 27, 1989Labels: Electricity Act, Electricity Industry

    • UK Legislation
    • Electricity Act

15. Thatcher resigns amid party revolt and policy backlash

    Nov 22, 1990Labels: Margaret Thatcher, Conservative Party

    • UK Archives
    • History com