‘UK working hours in dire need of a rethink’

“The ninefive, five day working week was invented 100 years ago and is no longer fit for purpose. We are long overdue an update

Rolling out a four-day week without reducing workers’ salaries has been shown to be possible, according to labour campaigners.

Joe Ryle, director of the 4 Day Week Campaign, said hundreds of British businesses and one local council – South Cambridgeshire District Council – had adopted the four-day week with no loss of pay for staff.

“With a new Labour Government, change is in the air and we hope to see employers embracing this change by signing up to our pilot,” he said.

“The nine-five, five day working week was invented 100 years ago and is no longer fit for purpose. We are long overdue an update.”

The campaign group is working with flexible working consultancy Timewise to coordinate the pilot, which will also include training and workshops for the firms taking part.

Claire Campbell, the chief executive of Timewise, said: “We hope to see more employers from sectors with site-based, shift-based workers sign up because this is where innovation is needed most.”

Unison represents staff at South Cambridgeshire Council, which led the way as the first local authority in the United Kingdom to adopt the four-day week in January 2023.

Christina Mcanea, Unison’s general secretary, said: “Offering truly flexible work patterns, including a four-day week, can help employers recruit and retain staff.

“Organisations who’ve tried this approach tend to have happier staff, who are more focused at work, which boosts productivity.

“The rise of artificial intelligence could make a four-day week inevitable. What’s needed is a rethink on how workplaces are organised, as well as progressive policies that future-proof people’s livelihoods and protect their wellbeing.

“The pandemic proved that people could do their jobs from home and still be efficient. A four-day working week is the next big step.”