Government Dismisses Plans to Mandate Four-Day Work Week for Businesses
The UK Government has stated that it has "no plans" to force businesses to accept requests from employees for a four-day working week, despite concerns raised by Conservative shadow business secretary Kevin Hollinrake. Hollinrake claimed that businesses were "petrified" about Labour's potential Make Work Pay plans, which The Telegraph suggested could include new rights for workers to demand a shorter working week.
However, a spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade denied any intention to "impose" such a working pattern on businesses. The PA news agency further clarified that any proposals to allow more workers to adopt "compressed hours" would not equate to permanent three-day weekends. Employees would still need to complete their contracted hours, even if spread across fewer days.
The government spokesperson emphasized: "We have no plans to impose a four-day working week on employers or employees. Any changes to employment legislation will be consulted on, in partnership with businesses. Our Make Work Pay plan aims to boost productivity while creating conditions that support sustained economic growth."
The spokesperson also highlighted that many businesses already offer flexible, family-friendly working conditions, as they recognize the benefits of improved morale and employee retention.
The Department for Business and Trade has pledged to provide further details on its approach within 100 days.
Labour's Make Work Pay document, released shortly after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called the General Election in May, did not specifically propose a four-day week. Instead, it focused on commitments such as banning zero-hour contracts, implementing a "genuine living wage," and ending "fire and rehire" practices.
The Telegraph reported that "compressed hours" might be included in a new law, potentially requiring companies to offer flexible working from day one, unless it is deemed "not reasonably feasible."
Hollinrake criticized the proposals, stating: "Despite warnings from industry, Labour is pushing ahead with policies that will make doing business more expensive in the UK."
In response, a Labour source pointed out that the Conservatives had previously pledged to make flexible working the default but had failed to follow through. The source added that Labour intends to build on existing legislation to ensure flexibility becomes a genuine default, except where it is not feasible for employers.
The UK Government has stated that it has "no plans" to force businesses to accept requests from employees for a four-day working week, despite concerns raised by Conservative shadow business secretary Kevin Hollinrake. Hollinrake claimed that businesses were "petrified" about Labour's potential Make Work Pay plans, which The Telegraph suggested could include new rights for workers to demand a shorter working week.
However, a spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade denied any intention to "impose" such a working pattern on businesses. The PA news agency further clarified that any proposals to allow more workers to adopt "compressed hours" would not equate to permanent three-day weekends. Employees would still need to complete their contracted hours, even if spread across fewer days.
The government spokesperson emphasized: "We have no plans to impose a four-day working week on employers or employees. Any changes to employment legislation will be consulted on, in partnership with businesses. Our Make Work Pay plan aims to boost productivity while creating conditions that support sustained economic growth."
The spokesperson also highlighted that many businesses already offer flexible, family-friendly working conditions, as they recognize the benefits of improved morale and employee retention.
The Department for Business and Trade has pledged to provide further details on its approach within 100 days.
Labour's Make Work Pay document, released shortly after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called the General Election in May, did not specifically propose a four-day week. Instead, it focused on commitments such as banning zero-hour contracts, implementing a "genuine living wage," and ending "fire and rehire" practices.
The Telegraph reported that "compressed hours" might be included in a new law, potentially requiring companies to offer flexible working from day one, unless it is deemed "not reasonably feasible."
Hollinrake criticized the proposals, stating: "Despite warnings from industry, Labour is pushing ahead with policies that will make doing business more expensive in the UK."
In response, a Labour source pointed out that the Conservatives had previously pledged to make flexible working the default but had failed to follow through. The source added that Labour intends to build on existing legislation to ensure flexibility becomes a genuine default, except where it is not feasible for employers.