Four-day week in the UK

Early day motion 636, tabled 18 June 2020 by Clive Lewis (Labour). Signed by 45 members.

That this House recognises the opportunity for exploring shorter working time for the UK, including a four-day week, as one route out of the covid-19 pandemic; further recognises that work patterns have been dramatically altered as a result of the pandemic, notes that shorter working time has been used throughout history as a way of responding to economic crises; believes that a four-day week could bring multiple benefits to society, the environment, democracy, and the economy through increased productivity; congratulates Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand for speaking about the four-day week as a key way in which New Zealand’s economy can recover from the crisis; highlights the Scottish Government’s announcement in May that its Post-Covid-19 Futures Commission plans to explore the potential for a four-day working week for Scotland; and calls on the Government to make the same commitment towards a better future for the UK by setting up a comparable commission to consider a range of options and models in relation to shorter working times.

Signatures by party: Labour 20, Scottish National Party 18, Labour/Co-operative 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Green 1, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1.