Workers' rights to four-day week could be strengthened

In the UK, there are plans to improve workers' rights regarding the possibility of a four-day work week. This initiative is part of a broader government effort to promote flexible working arrangements. Currently, employees have the right to request flexible working hours as soon as they start a new job, but companies are not obligated to accept these requests. The government has stated that it will not enforce any changes on businesses or employees, but there are concerns from the Conservative party about the implications of these proposals. A representative from the Department for Business and Trade commented, 'Any changes to employment legislation will be consulted on, working in partnership with business. ' Education Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith emphasized the benefits of flexible working, stating that 'flexible working is actually good for productivity. ' She explained that the proposed four-day work week would allow employees to work longer hours over four days instead of the traditional five-day work week. This arrangement could provide employees with more time for family, personal activities, and other commitments, potentially encouraging more individuals to enter the workforce. Employers are required to handle requests for flexible working in a reasonable manner, but they can decline if they have valid business reasons. Charlie Thompson, an employment lawyer, noted that the specifics of the new law are still unclear. One possibility is that the government may make it more challenging for employers to reject requests for a four-day work week, as it is currently relatively easy for them to do so. Earlier this year, some companies attempted to implement a four-day work week but faced difficulties. For instance, Asda decided to halt its trial after employees expressed concerns that the longer shifts were too demanding. Ben Willmott, head of public policy at the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development, stated that flexible working arrangements, such as compressed hours, can help individuals balance their work and home life while also aiding employers in attracting and retaining staff. However, he cautioned that flexible working must benefit both the business and the employees to be sustainable. Willmott suggested that the government should evaluate the impact of the changes introduced in April, which allow employees to request flexible working from the start of their employment, before making further adjustments. Kelly Burton, a mental health nurse from Crewe, shared her experience of transitioning to a four-day work week to achieve a better work-life balance. After demonstrating that she could complete her five-day job in four days, her employer granted her request. 'Since July, I have been working Monday to Thursday from 8 am to 6 pm instead of the usual Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. I’m happier at work, can spend the extra day caring for my elderly parents, and still enjoy my weekends. It’s the perfect work-life balance,' Ms. Burton explained. She believes that without the option for flexible working, she might have had to change jobs or reduce her hours. 'My employer has a happy worker, and a happy worker always goes above and beyond for them,' she added. Details regarding any changes to workers' rights are anticipated in the autumn when a new law is expected to be introduced in Parliament. The Labour party has committed to repealing certain anti-trade union laws, limiting the use of zero-hours contracts, and expanding flexible working options. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has described these proposals as 'the biggest upgrade to workers' rights in a generation. ' However, the Conservative opposition argues that this approach could harm businesses and lead to decreased productivity. In 2022, several UK companies participated in a six-month trial to test a four-day work week, where employees received full pay for working fewer hours. Tyler Grange, an environmental consultancy, took part in the trial and decided to continue with the new working pattern. Simon Ursell, the managing director, mentioned that the first month of the trial was challenging, but the company found that the extra day off improved employee happiness and attracted more job applicants. Conversely, Mark Roderick, who runs an engineering and industrial supplies company, reported that the four-day week did not work for his business. 'Instead of ten normal workdays, we found that employees had nine extremely busy days. By the time they reached their scheduled day off, they were exhausted,' he explained. He also noted that it was difficult to find coverage for employees on their rest day due to holidays, sickness, and caregiving responsibilities. If you are currently working a four-day week, we invite you to share your experiences with us.