AssetID: 54073810
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: UK Government Explores Right to Four-Day Workweek Amid Business Concerns
Caption: UK Government Explores Right to Four-Day Workweek Amid Business Concerns. The UK government is considering a plan that could allow full-time workers to request a four-day workweek, while still working their full contracted hours, BBC news reports. Workers could ask to compress their hours into a shorter week, though businesses would not be required to implement the change. Conservative shadow business secretary Kevin Hollinrake expressed concerns that businesses are "petrified" by the proposal. The Department for Business and Trade emphasized that any employment changes would involve consultation with businesses and are intended to boost productivity. Currently, employees have the right to request flexible working, but employers are only obligated to respond "reasonably." Some companies, like Morrisons and Asda, have already scrapped or paused four-day week trials due to employee dissatisfaction with longer shifts. Labour's government has pledged to make flexible working the default for all workers, with more details expected in the autumn. The Labour government also plans to introduce a new package of workers' rights, which includes repealing certain anti-trade union laws and expanding flexible working options. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner argue that these changes will benefit both workers and the economy. Critics, including the Conservative opposition, warn that these policies could harm business productivity and increase costs. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
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