Four-day working week possible in this century, says union

A four-day working week will be made possible in the next hundred years, according to the TUC.

Advances in technology could shorten working hours

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) claims that fewer working days are needed if firms are forced to share the benefits of technological advances with workers.

Robots, artificial intelligence (AI), and increased automation could give the UK economy a £200bn boost in the next ten years. TUC wants this boost to be shared with the larger workforce rather than kept just for the benefit of bosses.

Currently, around 1.4 million people in the UK work seven days a week, and around 3.6 million jobs could be replaced by machines by 2030.

TUC General Secretary, Frances O’Grady, said the unions had been instrumental in gaining the two-day weekend and limitations of long working hours, and that the four-day week was their next achievable goal. 

They are calling on the government to help people work less retain their current salary, stating that improving this work-life balance will be beneficial for everyone.

According to the TUC, 51% of people surveyed said they were afraid the benefits of new technologies would not be shared with the larger workforce but would help only managers and shareholders. Specialised workplace lawyers can help you protect your interests at work.

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