Full-time workers may soon have the right to request a four-day workweek under new government proposals aimed at enhancing flexible working arrangements.

While employees would still need to complete their full contracted hours to receive full pay, they could potentially compress these hours into a shorter workweek, according to plans reported by the Daily Telegraph.

Kevin Hollinrake, the Conservative shadow business secretary, expressed concerns that businesses are "petrified" by the proposal.

However, government ministers have emphasized that the changes would not be mandatory for either employees or businesses.

A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade said: "Any changes to employment legislation will be consulted on, working in partnership with business," the BBC reported.

The spokesperson also noted that the goal of the proposed flexible working plan is to boost productivity and encourage more people to re-enter the workforce.

Currently, employees have the right to request flexible working arrangements, but employers are only required to consider these requests in a "reasonable manner." The Labour Party, which came to power earlier this year, has pledged to make flexible working the default option from day one for all workers, except in cases where it is not feasible.

The Daily Telegraph has reported that the new plan might allow employees to work four longer days instead of the traditional five-day workweek. Specific details are expected to be unveiled in the autumn when new legislation designed to enhance workers' rights is set to be introduced in Parliament.

Why does it matter?

The proposed changes to allow full-time workers to request a four-day workweek would potentially affect a wide range of businesses across various sectors. However, the impact would vary depending on the nature of the business, the industry, and specific operational needs. Here are some of the types of businesses that could be affected:

1. Office-Based Businesses: Companies that primarily operate in office settings, such as those in finance, marketing, legal services, and consultancy, may see more requests for compressed workweeks. These environments often have more flexibility in scheduling work hours.
2. Retail and Hospitality: Businesses in retail, restaurants, and hospitality might find it more challenging to accommodate a four-day workweek due to the need for consistent customer service and staffing throughout the week. However, these industries could still see requests from employees seeking to compress hours.
3. Manufacturing and Production: In sectors where continuous production and shift work are common, like manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing, adjusting to a four-day workweek could be more complex. These businesses may need to carefully balance shift schedules to maintain productivity.
4. Healthcare and Emergency Services: Healthcare providers, emergency services, and other essential services might also be impacted, though these sectors often require 24/7 staffing. Compressed work schedules might be possible but would require careful planning to ensure coverage.
5. Creative and Tech Industries: Sectors like technology, media, and creative industries, where project-based work and flexible hours are more common, might find it easier to implement a four-day workweek, especially in roles that focus on deliverables rather than time spent.
6. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Smaller businesses, particularly those with limited staff, might face more challenges in accommodating a four-day workweek. The reduced number of working days could impact customer service, sales, or production timelines.
7. Public Sector and Education: Public sector organizations and educational institutions could also be affected, particularly in administrative and support roles. The feasibility of a four-day workweek in these settings would depend on the ability to maintain service levels.

Overall, the businesses most likely to be affected are those where flexible working is already a consideration, or where there is a high demand from employees for better work-life balance. The exact impact would depend on how businesses choose to implement the policy, their operational requirements, and how they balance employee needs with maintaining productivity.