A group of Labour MPs is urging the UK government to consider implementing a four-day working week, arguing that shorter hours would improve productivity and worker well-being. The proposal, introduced as an amendment to the Employment Rights Bill, comes amid growing interest in alternative working patterns, but faces government resistance.
The amendment, led by Labour MP Peter Dowd, calls for a dedicated body to explore how a 32-hour working week could be rolled out across the economy. Supporters highlight data suggesting that reduced working hours lead to increased efficiency, while critics argue that businesses should determine their own policies. The proposal is part of a broader debate on employment rights, at a time when some corporations are moving away from flexible working arrangements.
Growing Support for a Four-Day Week in the UK
The idea of a four-day working week with no reduction in pay has gained traction in the UK, with more than 200 companies having already adopted the model, according to reports from early 2024. Proponents argue that the shift leads to higher productivity, lower burnout rates, and improved employee satisfaction.
Labour MP Maya Ellis, who supports the amendment, stated that “data shows that working four days leads to greater productivity than five,” adding that a shortened workweek could enhance efficiency in public services.
Meanwhile, Joe Ryle, director of the 4 Day Week Foundation, emphasised that the proposal is about genuinely reducing hours rather than compressing five days’ worth of work into four.
According to reports, many organisations that have implemented a four-day week have seen positive outcomes, including increased job satisfaction and reduced absenteeism. However, the government remains opposed to legislating a general reduction in working hours, with a Downing Street spokesperson stating that there are no plans to change workers’ rights in this regard.
Pushback From Corporations and Government Stance
While some businesses have embraced the four-day work model, others are resisting the shift towards reduced office hours. Large corporations, including JP Morgan and Amazon, have recently moved to reinstate full-time office attendance, reversing their previous hybrid work policies introduced after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Former Asda and Marks & Spencer CEO Lord Stuart Rose has also voiced opposition, stating earlier in January that remote work and reduced hours do not equate to “proper work”. These statements reflect a broader corporate scepticism about whether a shorter working week is viable across all sectors.
The government has been clear in its position, with a spokesperson for 10 Downing Street confirming that there is no intention to introduce a four-day week as part of its employment legislation. Instead, the government maintains that businesses should determine their own policies based on operational needs.
