Council set to debate motion calling for trial of a four-day working week

The proposal is being tabled by Sinn Féin’s Christopher Jackson who said there is growing evidence that a reduction in working days actually increases productivity.

Colr. Jackson commented: “It’s already obvious that a lack of work-life balance contributes to work related stress, low productivity and burnout amongst workers so I believe there is an onus on all public bodies to explore new and better ways of working.

“There is a growing body of international evidence showing that moving to a four-day working week, without a reduction in income, enhances productivity and happiness amongst workers. It has already been trialled by major international companies who found that it had positive impacts both for business and workers.

“Therefore, my motion will call on the Council and Department for Economy to establish working groups and pilot programmes that support employers to trial the concept of a four-day working week amongst their workforce.”