In the 14th century, significant penalties were introduced to discourage workers from refusing jobs, abandoning their posts in search of better wages, or accepting higher pay offers from other employers. This initiative was aimed at controlling the labor force during a time of economic upheaval caused by the Black Death and labor shortages. To enforce these measures, an ordinance was proclaimed at a time when Parliament was not in session.

Later, in 1351, these regulations were formally reestablished as the Statute of Laborers. This law underscored the efforts of the ruling authorities to maintain control over labor dynamics by preventing workers from seeking better employment opportunities, thereby trying to stabilize the economy during a period of significant societal changes and challenges.