Labour Party Deflects Union Push for Four-Day Week Ahead of U.K. Election

The U.K.’s Labour party is holding out on any major plans of commitment to a four-day workweek, despite a strong push from unions and business executives ahead of this week’s general election.  

The Telegraph reports that Unison, one of the largest public sector unions in the U.K., has been calling on Labour to make an official policy. A joint letter has also been signed by 40 business executives advocating for the next government to consider laws that support reduced working hours.  

They argue that despite technological advancements, the traditional nine-to-five workday has remained unchanged for nearly a century. 

These efforts, however, have not elicited an official stance from the party. 

Despite being on the agenda under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership in 2019, a 32-hour workweek is not part of the party’s plan in 2024. Moreover, a senior Labour adviser is reported as saying: “There are no plans to do it. It’s a decision for individual businesses.” 

So far, the current Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is looking in an entirely different direction that balances traditional union support with broader business interests in the lead-up to the 2024 general election.  

Despite pressure from lobby groups, City A.M. reports the party is focused on wealth creation and its plans to reform workers’ rights.  

Although Labour has not officially committed to making the four-day workweek an official policy, it’s reported that it has expressed support for businesses that choose to transition to shorter workweeks. 

The push for companies to trial a shorter workweek in the U.K. follows a successful six-month pilot program in 2022, which included 61 companies and over 3,000 employees. The study gained notoriety on the international stage when the majority, or 86%, of the participating companies said they were likely to implement the policy after the study is complete. The study has been used as a key talking point for the four-day movement in recent years.  

Notable firms such as PwC, Kellogg’s, and Asos have already implemented reduced summer hours, according to a report published by Business Matters — reflecting a shift in corporate culture towards greater work-life balance.  

Additionally, the U.K.’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is also reported to be exploring the four-day workweek, considering a similar trial after witnessing the positive outcomes from the private sector.  

As Labour approaches the upcoming election, the strategy between appeasing union demands and engaging with business interests remains a challenge. However, not all unions align with prioritizing a shorter workweek on the agenda. It’s reported that sources close to Unite, Labour’s largest backer, maintain that their focus remains on competitive pay rather than reduced employee hours.