After the outbreak of WW1, many women in the textile and clothing industry had lost their jobs as export markets closed, posing a direct threat to their job prospects. The War Emergency Workers' National Committee, which included leading figures from the labour movement, opposed it. Representatives of working women were called to the palace and 'The Queen's Work for Women Fund' was created. Contracts to supply clothing and other items for the Army Supply Department were issued and the Queen placed a personal order for 75,000 woollen body belts as part of her Christmas gift to the troops.