New four-day week trial at 50 companies will see thousands earn full pay for fewer hours

Neil Shaw & Barbara Hodgson
·2-min read

A new trial of a four-day working week is to be tested out following previous success.

With 50 businesses set to take part in the pilot, which will run for six months, around 3,000 employees will be working a reduced week of four days - effectively doing 80% of their current hours and receiving 100% of their pay. The idea follows a previous trial, which involved larger corporations, and this time targets smaller companies to see how it works for those and their staff.

The trial will test whether a shorter working week impacts upon productivity, wellbeing and business operations. WalesOnline reports the previous trial in 2022 saw 30,000 employees and more than 60 companies trial the idea, with many declaring it a success and, two years on, 54 of them are said to be sticking with the four-day week following feedback.

A world trial of the four-day week last year was reported a 'major breakthrough'. Kate Palmer, employment services director at business support company Peninsula, says: “Flexible working has been a hot topic for the new Labour government, with a pledge to make flexible working the default position, when reasonably practicable.

"However, whether this includes a four-day working week rather than a hybrid or remote working structure is unclear." She points out that this way of working may not be the way forward for everyone, saying: "Whilst a four-day working week may be a welcome introduction to many workers, there are still practical challenges which employers need to be prepared for - and it may not suit every business model.

“Businesses who offer flexible and hybrid working practices are finding themselves more able to attract talent whereas those who favour completely office-based roles can sometimes struggle with recruitment and retention. However, we have seen a drive with many employers back towards full-time in office working.

“A four-day work week is not without its challenges. To make such a change, employers would first need to seek agreement from their staff and amend contracts and policies as necessary. They would also need to review their working practices and put measures in place to enable staff to complete their work during these shorter hours."

She added that while a shorter working week might sounds positive for most employees, having to complete the same amount of work and hit the same productivity levels could lead to increased stress or burn-out. "It’s all about finding the balance that works for each individual business and the people within.”

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