If successful, four-day-a-week activists invite other companies to register

Activists are aiming to sign hundreds more British companies to four-day workweeks after a test run resulted in victory.

Of 61 companies that took part in a six-month trial, 56 have extended the four-day-week policy, which leaves workers’ wages the same.

Eighteen of these companies have already introduced the shorter working hours permanently.

Now a new national rollout program is being launched by the 4-day-week campaign together with the think tank Autonomy.

Participating companies will receive help with the changeover from mid-April.

The campaign is demanding that a 32-hour week with no change in wages become the normal way of working by the end of this decade.

But the UK government has so far shown no interest – Business Secretary Martin Callanan said in September ministers had not examined costs and benefits.

Meanwhile, Conservative colleague Howard Leigh claims it would have “devastating effects” as it would be difficult for staff to “collaborate effectively” if some were unavailable.

Activists argued today that there had been positive results for workers’ well-being and productivity.

Joe Ryle, Director of the 4-day week campaign, said: “The great response we’ve seen to the pilot results just goes to show that the world is ready for a 4-day week.

“We’ve had 100 years of 9-5, 5-day work weeks and it’s time for a change.

“Moving to a four-day workweek would give us all time to live happier, more fulfilling lives.”

Meanwhile, Will Stronge, co-founder of Autonomy, says “the evidence is clear” and that the policy has “benefits for both workers and companies”.

Last year’s trial was the world’s largest and drew global attention, including in Bangkok, India and Australia.

US Senator Bernie Sanders tweeted about it, saying, “It’s time to move to a four-day work week.”

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