British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government is proposing that UK workers be allowed to work a four-day week.
However, they must continue to work the hours stipulated in their employment contracts.
“We believe that flexible working hours are good for productivity. […] “Perhaps instead of working eight hours a day for five days you can work ten hours for four,” Apprenticeship and Training Secretary Jacqui Smith told LBC radio.
“It would be the same amount of work, but in a way that would allow you to spend less on childcare or spend more time with your family.
The new modality will not be mandatory for the country’s companies
“It would attract more people into the workforce and help our primary objective of promoting growth,” he explained.
However, Smith acknowledged that certain jobs, such as those of teachers, cannot be integrated into this model, although he pointed out that although “many people cannot benefit from it,” that should not imply that other workers “should not have the opportunity to do so.”
However, a spokesman for the Labour government rejected the idea that this type of work week would become mandatory for companies in the country.
“We do not intend to impose a four-day work week on either employers or employees.
“Any changes to employment law will be consulted on in collaboration with businesses,” said a spokesperson for Starmer’s government.
He also said that more details of the plan would be provided over the next 100 days.
Under current legislation, employees have the right to request flexible working, which can include part-time work, flexible start and end times or working from home.
However, employers can deny it in certain circumstances, such as if it has an additional cost for the company.
