Workers in the UK may soon have the legal right to request a four-day workweek under new laws, according to recent reports. The proposed legislation, which could include "compressed hours," would potentially require companies to offer flexible working arrangements from the first day of employment, unless deemed "not reasonably feasible."
While the government has stated it has "no plans" to force businesses to adopt a four-day workweek, the measures could shift workplace dynamics significantly. Some Conservative MPs have expressed concern that the Labour Party is introducing the four-day week "through the backdoor" by allowing employees to work their contracted hours over four days instead of five.
Kevin Hollinrake, Conservative shadow business secretary, claimed that businesses are "petrified" by Labour’s "Make Work Pay" plans, which may include the right for workers to request a shorter workweek.
However, a spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade clarified that there are no intentions to impose such a work pattern on employers, emphasizing that any changes to employment laws will involve consultation with businesses. The proposed "compressed hours" would not necessarily mean long weekends every week; workers would still be expected to fulfill their contracted hours, albeit over fewer days. The government's "Make Work Pay" plan aims to increase productivity and create a business environment conducive to sustained economic growth. The plan is expected to be outlined in more detail within the next 100 days.
Labour's plan, which was introduced shortly after the General Election was called in May, focuses on improving workers' rights, including banning zero-hour contracts, ensuring a living wage, and ending "fire and rehire" practices. Although it does not explicitly propose a four-day week, the potential for compressed hours has stirred debate about the future of working patterns in the UK.
As the discussion continues, businesses are urged to participate in consultations to ensure that any changes to employment laws strike a balance between improving workers' rights and supporting the economic viability of UK companies.