They are out of work because the manufacturer has few or no orders.

I want the immediate cause for that, and I go to the manufacturer.

I ask him why he has no orders.

He tells me, because every steamer from America is bringing huge consignments of ready-made office and general furniture, at such prices or such quality that the English shopkeepers prefer to stock them.

Consequently trade is bad with him, and he cannot find employment for his men.