Until 1931 the social consequences of the economic crisis had been limited; by decreasing work hours and wages, mass unemployment had so far been avoided in most sectors. However, around 1931 mass unemployment did start and those workers who could keep their jobs often had to accept significant wage cuts.
Before 1931, the social impacts of the economic crisis were minor; by reducing work hours and wages, mass unemployment had been avoided in most sectors. However, around 1931, mass unemployment began, and many workers who kept their jobs often experienced significant wage cuts.