Four-day week 'risks widening inequalities', according to group exploring pilot in Wales
Some people in Wales, including the Future Generations Commissioner, have called for a pilot to be introduced in parts of the public sector.
Tuesday 9 April 2024 17:41, UK
A four-day working week risks "widening existing inequalities", according to a group tasked with exploring a potential Welsh pilot.
The Welsh government commissioned the group to look at the possibility of introducing the new work pattern.
But a report has found the gap could be widened between those who work in offices and those on the frontline, "particularly in 24/7 operations".
"Given the different gender, race and other characteristics of different workforces in the public sector, there is potential for negative and differential impacts on particular protected characteristics," the report found.
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The working group made five recommendations to the Welsh government.
They included identifying an organisation or organisations which were "ready and willing to pilot" a four-day week scheme.
The group also recommended using the terms "shorter working week" or "shorter working day" as a "four-day week" could be "widely misinterpreted and taken in its literal sense".
Some in Wales have called for a four-day week pilot, including the Future Generations Commissioner.
Commissioner Derek Walker said the working week "hasn't changed in over 100 years".
"An outdated industrial age model means the time is ripe to explore how things can be done differently," he added.
Joe Ryle, director of the Four Day Week Campaign, said the claims inequality could be widened were "wrong and way off the mark".
"Those that stand to benefit most from a four-day week include disabled people and those with caring responsibilities for whom an extra day off work each week (with no loss in pay) will make a tremendous difference," he added.
The largest opposition party in the Senedd - the Welsh Conservatives - say a four-day week would create a "two-tier working environment".
They said the government should instead give workers more flexibility "to take time off to balance family life and other commitments".
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A Welsh government spokesperson said there were "no plans" to introduce a four-day week across the public sector in Wales.
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"While the working group identified a range of potential benefits, they also highlighted the many complexities involved in adopting a 4-day week and the impact these could have on a range of groups and individuals," they added.