The UK government is considering strengthening workers’ rights to request a four-day work week as part of efforts to promote flexible working, according to the BBC.
Under the proposed changes, full-time employees could ask to compress their working hours into four days instead of five, but they would still need to work the same total hours to receive full pay.
Since April, workers have had the right to request flexible working from day one of their jobs, but companies are not obligated to agree.
The government says it won’t force changes on businesses, but some Conservative leaders argue that businesses are worried about the potential impact of these plans, as reported by the BBC.
Baroness Jacqui Smith, the UK’s Education Minister, told LBC that flexible working can actually boost productivity.
She explained that a four-day week could allow people to work 10-hour days, freeing up more time for family and personal commitments, which could encourage more people to join the workforce.
However, the details of the proposed law are still unclear. As per the BBC, experts suggest that the government might make it harder for employers to reject requests for flexible working, which is currently quite easy for them to do.
Past attempts at a four-day work week have had mixed results. For example, Morrisons and Asda both ended their trials after employees expressed dissatisfaction with the longer shifts, according to the BBC.
Some experts, like Ben Willmott from the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development, emphasize that flexible working must work for both employees and employers to be sustainable.
He recommends that the government first assess the impact of the changes introduced in April before making any further decisions.
The BBC also highlights a success story from Kelly Burton, a mental health nurse who was able to switch to a four-day work week.
She found the change improved her work-life balance, allowing her to care for her elderly parents while still maintaining her job.
The government plans to introduce new legislation on workers’ rights this autumn, which could include these changes.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party has promised to expand flexible working options and strengthen workers’ rights, as reported by the BBC.
However, the Conservative opposition warns that these changes could hurt businesses and reduce productivity.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gl5w83z7do