The UK government is set to unveil new legislation that would require employers to offer flexible working hours, including the option of a four-day workweek, to all employees.
Under these plans, workers would still be required to fulfil their contractual hours but could compress them into a shorter week—an arrangement some companies have already implemented.
Currently, while employees can request flexible working hours from the outset of their employment, businesses are not legally obligated to accommodate these requests. The Labour government, led by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, aims to change that by making it mandatory for employers to offer flexible working arrangements from day one, unless it is “not reasonably feasible.”
The move is expected to be introduced in Parliament this autumn following consultations with unions and businesses. Despite assurances from the government that employers will not be forced to implement a four-day workweek, concerns have been raised by the Conservative Party.
Shadow Business Secretary Kevin Hollinrake voiced strong opposition, stating that businesses are “petrified” by the potential impact of the legislation. “Despite repeated warnings from industry, Angela Rayner is pushing forward with her French-style union laws that will increase the cost of doing business in the UK,” Hollinrake said.
Former Home Secretary and Conservative leadership candidate Priti Patel echoed these concerns, arguing that the proposal embodies the Labour government’s tendency to impose “burdens, bureaucracy, and red tape” on businesses. Patel warned that the plan could have “devastating impacts” on both businesses and the wider economy.
What does the future of the four-day workweek look like?
Legal experts are also weighing in on the proposed changes. Charlie Thompson, an employment partner at law firm Stewarts, noted that while UK employees already have the right to request flexible working, it is relatively easy for employers to refuse such requests under current laws. The new legislation may make it more challenging for employers to decline these requests.
A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade emphasised that any changes to employment laws would be made in consultation with businesses. “Our Make Work Pay plan is designed to boost productivity and create favourable conditions for sustained economic growth,” the spokesperson said. “We are committed to balancing improved workers’ rights with the needs of businesses, many of which already offer family-friendly conditions to enhance morale and retention.”
As the Labour government moves forward with its plans, the debate over the potential benefits and drawbacks of a mandatory four-day workweek is likely to intensify across the UK’s political and business landscapes.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
