The UK works longer hours than most of Europe.
It is not making us more productive.
It is making us sick, driving inequality and destroying our planet.
It’s time for a 4 Day Week.
A four-day working week would benefit our society, our economy, our environment and our democracy.
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There are a number of options for introducing shorter working-time, which will reflect the requirements of different sectors. We campaign for a four-day, 32-hour working week with no reduction in pay.
Society
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Better mental & physical health – more time to recuperate, exercise, socialise and spend time with family.
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A fairer society – a more equal share of paid and unpaid work, including of caring roles traditionally ascribed to women.
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Strengthened communities – more time to build relationships, to care for children, the elderly and the disabled.
Economy
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Lower unemployment – Incredibly, the UK suffers simultaneously from overwork, unemployment and underemployment. A four-day week is an intuitively simple way to rebalance the economy and address many problems.
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Increased productivity - studies show that working fewer hours would boost the UK’s productivity.
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Boost to tourism - with more free leisure time, the tourism sector would benefit from people taking more short breaks in the UK.
Environment
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A more sustainable lifestyle – more free time allows us to make environmentally positive choices; cycling and walking instead of driving, cooking with fresh ingredients rather than buying energy-intensive ready meals.
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A reduced carbon footprint – Research has shown that a four-day week would reduce carbon emissions from electricity production by up to 24%.
Democracy
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More time to engage with politics, participate in local campaigns and shape society at a local, national and international level