Shorter hours have been used through history as a way of responding to economic crises, and it is clear that work patterns have already been dramatically altered as a result of the pandemic.

With an unemployment crisis on the horizon, people questioning their relationship with work and more automation on the way, I believe that the time is now right to explore putting a 4-day, 30-hour working week front and centre of recovery plans – with protections for those on low incomes – as the country unites behind building back better out of this crisis.

In response, Treasury Minister Kemi Badenoch encouraged workers to discuss flexible working with their employers and agreed to meet with MPs to discuss the issue further.

I sincerely hope this means that the Treasury will seriously consider exploring the introduction of a 4-day working week, and I look forward to meeting with them to take this idea forward.

You can see the full exchange in the video HERE.