Unions call for four-day working week in response to pandemic

Scotland should move to a four-day working week in response to the pandemic, trade unions have said.

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) and other groups are calling on Nicola Sturgeon to introduce a national subsidy for companies which switch to a 32-hour working week with no loss of pay.

They point to a pilot scheme in Spain where similar proposals have been backed by 50 million euro of government funding.

A motion passed at the SNP conference in November said an independent Scotland should consider a four-day working week as part of a wider review of working practices.

The STUC, along with Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie and other groups, have written to the First Minister asking her to consider the move.

Their letter says there is an opportunity for change as the pandemic “has thrown the world of work totally up in the air”.

Joe Ryle, of the 4 Day Week Campaign, said: “A four-day week with no loss of pay is backed by a big majority of Scots, SNP members, the trade union movement and Scottish businesses, so Nicola Sturgeon has no excuses for not acting.

“Shorter working hours are the best way to share work more equally across the economy during a recession and would bring many other benefits such as improved mental health, a better work-life balance and a boost in productivity.

“Nicola Sturgeon should listen to her own party members and set Scotland on the path to a four-day week.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Scotland’s businesses and workers have adapted to the Covid-related workplace challenges in ways that sustain their businesses and support employee welfare.

“Working practices are being changed by the pandemic and the Scottish Government is actively exploring the risks and benefits of delivering a shorter working week as part of our commitment to a well-being economy.

“This, and a range of other measures, will be considered after we have got Scotland through the immediate public health crisis.”