Strengthened flexible working rules could leave staff able to request four-day weeks under plans being considered by Britain’s new Labour government.
Staff would be given new rights to demand the shortened working weeks under plans set to be unveiled this autumn, according to The Telegraph.
This would be through a “compressed hours” system, reports said, meaning staff would still have to meet their contracted weekly hours but could opt to do these in fewer days.
Workers are currently able to request flexible hours but companies have no obligation to agree.
The new law, proposed by deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, would place the power of such decisions with employees instead, rather than employers.
Responding to opposition criticism that the move could hurt growth, a government spokesperson said: “The Conservatives pledged to make flexible working the default then failed to do so.
“We’ll build on their existing legislation to ensure flexibility is a genuine default, except where it is not reasonably feasible for employers to agree.
“Flexible working options such as compressed hours and term-time working can support more people to stay in the workforce and boost productivity, whether keeping parents in their jobs or helping those juggling caring responsibilities for older relatives.”