Calls Grow for Government Leadership on Four-Day Work Week as trials Expand
London, UK – Business and charity leaders are urging ministers to actively support a nationwide transition to a four-day work week, following criticism of recent government comments dismissing the model. The calls come as more councils across England prepare to pilot the shorter working week, despite lacking direct legal authority to enforce such changes.
Cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg recently voiced skepticism about the four-day week, prompting a sharp rebuke from the 4 Day Week Foundation.the foundation labelled Rees-Mogg’s comments “frankly ridiculous” and accused the government of appearing “outdated and stuck in the past.”
Will Stronge, co-founder of the 4 Day Week Foundation, defended the model, stating, “We know four-day working weeks and flexible working is good for workers and businesses, that has been proven time and time again. The council overall is outperforming, compared to other councils in the country, so cherrypicking these three areas does seem odd and frustrating.” He further noted the disparity in acceptance between the private and public sectors, observing that “as soon as it enters the public sector, that is when it truly seems to be contested.”
The growing momentum behind the four-day week is evidenced by the increasing number of companies adopting the model. Analysis from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicates over 200,000 workers have transitioned to a four-day week since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. The 4 Day Week Foundation estimates at least 430 UK companies, encompassing over 13,000 workers, have implemented a shorter work week in recent years.
Furthermore, at least 25 additional councils are reportedly planning to trial four-day working weeks in the coming year. While the government cannot legally prevent councils from experimenting with working patterns, ministers can exert pressure. The debate highlights a growing tension between customary working models and evolving workplace expectations.
