Defra members call for trial 4-day working week

Backed by the 4 Day Week Campaign, our members have called for a pilot scheme across more than 21,000 employees at Defra and its arms-length bodies where we have recognition to assess the benefits to their wellbeing and productivity. 

The union is proposing a 20% reduction in working hours with no loss of wages – a practice growing rapidly across the private and public sectors. 

PCS is today delivering a petition to Defra asking department bosses to agree to a trial. The move comes after the results of an interim survey of PCS members across all government departments show 40% of them were considering quitting if they were forced to return to the office three days a week. 

PCS General Secretary Mark Serwotka said: “Evidence suggests a four-day week would lead to a better work-life balance for staff and could improve productivity for the employer.  

“Previous trials have led to a reduction in sick leave and improvements to staff retention and satisfaction. If Defra wants to seriously address the issues of employee burnout, stress and poor wellbeing they will listen to our members and implement this pilot.” 

4 Day Week Campaign director Joe Ryle said: “A four-day working week with no loss of pay improves both productivity and the wellbeing of workers. 

“It's been tested time and time again with great success in the private sector so it's only right and fair to see if these benefits can apply to public sector workers. 

“We're long overdue a reduction in working hours and we're proud to be supporting PCS members in their campaign.”