A group of Labour MPs have proposed an amendment to the Employment Rights Bill, seeking to mandate a four-day work week with no pay reduction. The amendment, backed by both Labour and Green Party members, argues that technological advancements allow for equivalent productivity with reduced working hours. Proponents cite studies showing no negative impact on productivity and potential for improvement. However, the proposal has faced criticism from the Shadow Business Secretary, who views it as detrimental to the economy.
A group of Labour MPs are pushing for a four-day work week to be included in the government's Employment Rights Bill. They argue that advancements in technology, such as AI, allow workers to be equally productive while spending less time on the job. The amendment, backed by 13 Labour MPs and one Green Party MP, Ellie Chowns, proposes the formation of a 'Working Time Council' to advise on transitioning from a five-day to a four-day week without salary reductions.
Labour MP Rachael Maskell, a supporter of the amendment, highlights that the UK's productivity has been consistently low, while studies on four-day work weeks demonstrate no negative impact on productivity and potential for improvement. Peter Dowd, a former shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, leads the amendment effort, emphasizing that the benefits of increased productivity due to new technologies should be shared with workers through more leisure time. He envisions a four-day, 32-hour work week as the future.The 4 Day Week Foundation reports that 200 UK companies have adopted the four-day work week, impacting over 5,000 workers. Campaign director Joe Ryle argues that the current Bill's flexibility measures fall short and calls for a genuine commitment to exploring a shorter working week. However, Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith criticizes the proposal, characterizing it as Labour hindering the economy. He suggests that taxpayers would be opposed to paying a five-day wage for four days' work.The government, through a spokesperson, clarifies its stance against mandating a four-day work week for full pay, both within government and other sectors. They emphasize that the Bill strengthens workers' rights to request flexible working arrangements, which differs from a mandated shorter week
FOUR-DAY WORK WEEK LABOUR PARTY EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS BILL PRODUCTIVITY TECHNOLOGY AI
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