A West Belfast MLA is calling for the introduction of a four-day week saying it will be “better for mental health, for families, and for overall societal wellbeing”.
People Before Profit's Gerry Carroll said that a reduction in core working hours would mean that workers are happier and better rested.
Speaking on International Workers’ Day, Mr Carroll said that a reduction in working hours was affordable and long overdue.
Read more: Software boss puts record quarter down to four-day week
“The five-day working week is no longer fit for purpose," he said.
“Worker productivity has drastically increased in recent decades, but this hasn’t been reflected in wages or leisure time. The rewards have largely been reaped in the form of bosses’ profits.
“A four-day working week is better for mental health, for families, and for overall societal wellbeing. We need a serious redress of work-life balance to ensure workers are happier, better rested, and can fully participate in community life.
“A reduction of core working hours is not only affordable, but it is well overdue."
Workers at more than 60 UK companies trialed a four day work week between June and December 2022.
More than 90% of participating businesses have opted to continue with the four day week, with 18 adopting it permanently.
Last year, the Belgian government gave workers the option of choosing to work a four day week without loss of salary.
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- 70 companies begin trial of four-day week with no loss of pay
- Derry firm says four day working week has been 'life-changing' for staff
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