The UK government is considering plans to allow workers to request a four-day working week. This proposal would enable employees to compress their full working hours into fewer days, while still receiving their regular pay.
Four-Day Working Week Proposals
Currently, UK workers have the right to request flexible working arrangements, but employers are only obligated to handle these requests in a “reasonable manner.” According to the Telegraph, the new proposal would expand these flexible working rights, giving employees the option to seek a condensed workweek and employers needing to offer flexible working from day one, except where it is “not reasonably feasible.”
This policy would enable workers to request that their employers allow them to complete their standard working hours over a four-day period. However, it is expected to be more advantageous for office workers and those with consistent schedules. Employers in industries such as hospitality or retail may find it easier to argue that such requests are impractical.
Angela Rayner is understood to be spearheading Labour’s plan for workers, consulting with trade unions and businesses ahead of new legislation expected in the autumn.
A spokesperson from the Department for Business and Trade emphasised that any changes to employment laws would be developed in collaboration with businesses. The goal of the proposal is to enhance productivity and encourage greater workforce participation, rather than enforce a four-day workweek across the board.
The details of these changes are expected to be outlined in the autumn when the government introduces a broader package of workers’ rights legislation to Parliament, which could also reverse certain anti-trade union laws, limit zero-hours contracts, and further expand flexible working options.
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