Labour's Four-Day Week Proposal for Autumn

The Labour government in the UK is proposing a new law that would allow employees to request a four-day working week by compressing their contracted hours into fewer days. This proposal, part of the 'Make Work Pay' plan, aims to increase productivity and offer more flexible working conditions from day one of employment unless deemed 'not reasonably feasible' by employers. While the law aims to boost morale and retention, it has faced criticism from Conservatives, who warn it may make doing business more expensive and reduce economic growth. The proposed legislation follows extensive consultations with trade unions and business leaders and is expected to be introduced in the autumn. Under current laws, workers can already request flexible working, but there is no legal obligation for employers to comply.