Workers in the UK could gain the right to request a four-day compressed workweek.

 

Under new government plans, workers in the UK could gain the right to request a four-day workweek with compressed hours while still fulfilling their usual contracted hours.

Education Minister Jacqui Smith clarified on Friday that businesses would not be forced to accept these requests. Instead, workers might have the option to condense their hours into a shorter workweek.

Smith explained on LBC radio: “We believe that flexible working enhances productivity. The four-day week being discussed involves flexible working through compressed hours. For example, rather than working eight hours a day for five days, you might work ten hours a day for four days. This allows for the same amount of work but can reduce childcare needs and provide more family time, which encourages more people to join the workforce.”

Regarding jobs like teaching, which may not easily adapt to a four-day week, Smith noted, “Not all jobs can be compressed into a four-day week, but those that can should have the option.”

A Department for Business and Trade spokesperson confirmed that Labour would not impose a four-day workweek on businesses. They stated, “We have no plans to mandate a four-day workweek for employers or employees. Any changes to employment legislation will be developed in consultation with businesses. Our Make Work Pay plan aims to boost productivity and create favorable conditions for economic growth. Many employers already offer flexible working arrangements to enhance morale and retention.”

The department plans to provide further details within 100 days.

Joe Ryle, director of the 4 Day Week campaign, welcomed the proposal as a positive step toward reducing working hours in the UK. He noted, “While allowing workers to compress their hours is a good start, a true four-day week with reduced overall hours is crucial for improving work-life balance and maintaining productivity.”

Two days after Rishi Sunak called the general election in May, Labour released its "Plan to Make Work Pay," which did not include a four-day week but did promise to ban zero-hours contracts, ensure a “genuine living wage,” and end “fire and rehire” practices.

A Labour source pointed out that the Conservative party's 2019 manifesto had similarly promised to encourage flexible working and consult on making it the default unless employers had valid reasons not to.