MP calls for debate on four-day working week

An MP says the introduction of a four-day working week in the UK would be a "win-win" for both employers and their staff.

Maya Ellis, Labour MP for the Ribble Valley, raised the issue recently in Parliament, calling for a debate on it.

She said research showed it "improves both productivity and overall wellness in society."

There have been trials of a four-day working week at businesses and councils across the country.

One such business in Clitheroe is Mantle Packaging Machinery Ltd.

The family firm sells food packing machinery globally and took the step due to "rising costs".

It went from 08:00 until 16:00 GMT Monday to Friday to 7:30 until 16:30 GMT Monday to Thursday.

Managing Director Laura Sieczkowski said: "We wanted to support staff and where pay rises weren't necessarily achieveable, we tried to be creative."

She said it has given staff time back and "they've saved on things like travel and childcare costs" while business has continued as usual.

Ellis believes this is one successful example of how it would work and sa tidhe idea is "gaining momentum".

She said: "I've been working a lot with the 4 Day Week Foundation and they're already doing lots of pilots with companies.

"Of the companies who've done the trials, 92% have decided to continue with it because it's been so effective."

Ellis does however recognise that it may not be suitable for all industries - such as farming - but believes workers should benefit from innovations and technology that have improved efficiencies.

She said: "Historically, a lot of that benefit has gone to the shareholders and actually workers are still working the same 35 to 40 hour week as they always have done - so I think it's about trying to redress that balance."

Chief Executive of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Miranda Barker said: "There is no right or wrong answer to this, in a time of flexible working and if businesses can find new ways to reward staff, then we welcome that."

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