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Working Hours

Asked by Neil Duncan-JordanLabourDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 15 July 2025UIN 65417

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has reviewed the findings of the recent national four-day working week pilot; and whether he plans to respond to the 4 Day Week Foundation’s recommendation to establish a working time council.

Answered by Mr Douglas Alexander

We are aware of the findings of the 4 Day Week Foundation’s recent trial.

A four-day week is an example of a flexible working arrangement. Currently, all employees have the right to request a flexible working arrangement, and we are changing legislation through the Employment Rights Bill to make it more likely that requests are accepted.

We have no plans to mandate a four-day week, or any other working arrangement. Our priority is to consult with and support businesses and employees with the delivery of these planned changes, as part of the wider Plan to Make Work Pay.

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