U.K. Minister Slams Four-Day Workweek, Says “We Are Not Living In The 1970s”

A proposal by U.K. civil servants for a four-day working week has been firmly rejected by Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds, who described the idea as outdated. 

According to The Independent, the call came after the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union argued that a shorter workweek could improve quality of life, reduce staff turnover, and save the government £21 million annually.

Reynolds, speaking on Times Radio, dismissed the claims, saying: “I don’t believe them,” and added that civil servants wouldn’t be offered a four-day week, “because we are not living in the 1970s.”

Research Shows Potential Benefits for Government and Workers

The PCS, which represents civil servants, cited internal research suggesting that a four-day week could reduce sickness absence, cut turnover, and allow the hiring of an additional 2,345 staff across the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). 

Their study also claimed that the move could lower average sickness leave from 4.3 days per employee to just 1.5 days annually.

Despite these findings, Reynolds stuck to her stance. 

She acknowledged the benefits of part-time flexibility, noting, “I’m a mum of two young children. Sometimes I wish I worked part-time,” but maintained that a four-day week for all civil servants was unrealistic.

Labor’s Shift and Industry Support for Four-Day Week

The debate reflects a broader shift in political attitudes. Under former Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn, the party’s 2019 manifesto supported moving to a four-day working week by 2030, with no loss of pay. 

However, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership, the proposal has been sidelined. 

PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote responded by arguing that the opposition to a four-day week was purely ideological, pointing out that the scheme offers both health benefits and financial advantages for employers.

Supporters of the four-day week, including Joe Ryle from the 4-Day Week Campaign, believe the traditional 9-to-5, five-day model is outdated. He noted that many British companies have already successfully trialed the change, demonstrating benefits for both workers and employers.

This has also sparked political tensions. At Prime Minister’s Questions, Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch criticized Starmer for supporting the idea of a four-day week for councils, accusing him of promoting “part-time work for full-time pay.” Starmer, in turn, responded by emphasizing the failures of the previous Tory government, citing issues like the mini-budget and the stagnant economy.

Despite the ongoing debate, a Defra spokeswoman confirmed that there are currently no plans to implement a four-day working week within the department.