UK companies trial four-day working week with same pay

06 Jun 2022

A four-day week with no loss of pay is being trialled at dozens of companies across the UK from today. 

Firms from a variety of industries are taking part, including banking, hospitality, care, and even animation studios. 

The trial is based on the 100:80:100 model – 100% of pay for 80% of the time, in exchange for a commitment to maintain 100% productivity. 

It is being billed as the biggest four-day week pilot to take place anywhere in the world. Organisers are working alongside university researchers who will measure the impact on productivity and the wellbeing of staff.

They will also look at how it affects the environment and gender equality.

The 70 companies that have signed up to the trial include Charity Bank, games maker Hutch, manufacturer Rivelin Robotics, digital marketing group Loud Mouth Media, car parts supplier Eurowagens, loan provider Evolution Money, recruiter Girling Jones and Yo Telecom. 

Joe O'Connor, Chief Executive of the not-for-profit group 4 Day Week Global, said: 'As we emerge from the pandemic, more and more companies are recognising that the new frontier for competition is quality of life, and that reduced-hour, output-focused working is the vehicle to give them a competitive edge.'