Staff at 30 companies are cutting their hour with no loss of pay as part of a six-month pilot exploring a four-day week.
During the pandemic, economic researchers claimed a three-day weekend would boost high street sales by an estimated £58 billion.
Campaigners say it would give shoppers not only more time to buy, eat out and socialise, but also increase spending related to hobbies such as gardening and DIY.
They claim it is a ‘win-win scenario’ for workers and employers.
But opponents believe the idea would cripple many firms, reports the Daily Express.
The UK pilot is running in conjunction with similar programmes in the US, Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Spain has also launched a separate trial.
Organisers say numerous studies have shown a four-day week boosts productivity and workers’ mental and physical health. When Microsoft trialled it in Japan, productivity went up 40 per cent.
Not surprisingly, research suggests most UK workers embrace the idea: three quarters even before the pandemic hit. And a poll by the 4 Day Week Campaign shows…
