Catch up TV

Series 1: Episode 2

The women's journey started in 1968 and now it is 1973 and they have new clothes, new hair and new expectations. Conservative Edward Heath is prime minister and flares, flicks and platforms are all the rage. Factory floors across Britain are still dominated by a female workforce but even though the Equality Act had been passed in 1970, the women have to put their expectations on hold. They discover that things are still far from equal on the factory floor - the Equality Act may have been passed in 1970, but factory bosses had been given five years to prepare themselves. \n\nIn 1973, manufacturing output and productivity was at its highest since the war. The women are tasked with producing the 70s' must-have fashion staple - bright orange flares. And with business booming, targets have to be met. \n\nAs employment is high, there is plenty of work available for those who want it in the south Wales valleys. Employers are desperate to keep women working for them and are even willing to offer shifts which fit around childcare, allowing a generation of married women to return to the workplace. Our factory welcomes two new employees, Laura and Ricky, who need to catch up quickly. Ricky bucks the trend as a male machinist and his end-of-week pay packet sends shock waves around the factory. \n\nThe workers are also having fun, experiencing the upsides of factory work - enjoying the range of clubs and activities which factory bosses supported while manufacturing was still thriving. From football practice to slimming club, the women experience the rich social life of the factory. A day trip to Barry Island also sees the women let their hair down for a proper 1970s day out at the seaside complete with ice cream and dodgem cars.

Source: BBC 2