Labour is set to introduce a radical new law this autumn, giving workers the right to request a four-day working week. This move, championed by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, is part of a wider package of reforms aimed at bolstering workers' rights and making flexible working the norm.
The proposed legislation will expand on the existing right to request flexible working by placing a legal obligation on employers to offer it from day one, except in cases where it's demonstrably unfeasible. This includes the option of "compressed hours," allowing employees to complete their contracted hours in four days instead of five.
Currently, employers are under no legal obligation to agree to flexible working requests. Labour's new law aims to shift the balance of power, empowering workers to negotiate a more flexible work schedule, including the possibility of a four-day week.
The move has drawn criticism from the Conservative opposition, who warn that it could stifle economic growth and place an undue burden on businesses. Shadow Business Secretary Kevin Hollinrake, echoing concerns from industry groups, labelled the proposal as "French-style union laws" and warned that the "day one employment rights" would leave businesses "petrified." He claimed this approach would ultimately harm businesses and consumers and hinder economic growth.
However, a Labour source dismissed these criticisms, pointing to the Conservative Party's 2019 manifesto pledge to make flexible working the "default." The source further cited studies demonstrating the potential for flexible working arrangements, including compressed hours, to enhance productivity.
They argued that the proposed legislation would support a wider range of workers, such as parents, carers, and individuals juggling family responsibilities, by allowing them to remain in the workforce and contribute to economic growth.
Labour's "Plan to Make Work Pay" has been the subject of extensive discussions with trade unions over a number of years. The proposed legislation represents a significant step in Labour's broader agenda to enhance worker rights and create a more equitable and flexible work environment.
The introduction of a legal right to request a four-day week, coupled with the obligation on employers to offer flexible working from the outset, could significantly impact the future of work in the UK. It remains to be seen how this ambitious proposal will be received by businesses and the wider public.
