Four-day week firm wants more from Labour work plan

Bookishly owner Louise Verity says a four-day working week keeps her staff more focused and productive

A business owner who runs a four-day working week has called on the government to take its plans for a "compressed" four-day week "a step further".

Louise Verity, who owns Bookishly, an e-commerce book and literary souvenirs company based in Northampton, has been operating a 32-hour, four-day week for over a year following a successful trial.

She believes workers should be able to request a reduction in working hours rather than just being able to work the same number of hours over fewer days.

The government said it would work with businesses and consult on any changes to employment legislation.

Under Labour's plans, employees would still have to work their full hours to receive their full pay, but could request to compress their contracted hours into a shorter working week.

Details are expected in the autumn when a law to create a new package of workers' rights is expected to begin its journey through Parliament.

Staff at Bookishly in Moulton Park have Wednesdays off as part of their four-day week

Employees at Bookishly have Wednesdays off, so they feel like they are never working "more than a two-day week", according to Ms Verity.

She described the idea of staff working 10-hour days as "madness" and "unproductive".

She believes Labour could go further by allowing employees to request a reduction in contracted hours.

However, Ms Verity described the government's proposal as a "step forward" in changing perceptions of a four-day working week, suggesting it could eventually become a reality.

She also praised the benefits of having fewer working days, saying that employees used their time off to volunteer, pursue hobbies and manage childcare, which she said was "great to see."

A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade said: "Any changes to employment legislation will be consulted on, working in partnership with business.

“Our Make Work Pay plan is designed around increasing productivity and creating the right conditions for businesses to support sustained economic growth.

“We are working in close partnership with business and civil society to find the balance between improving workers’ rights while supporting the brilliant businesses that pay people’s wages.”