Polling carried out by Survation (commissioned by Autonomy) reveals strong support for a four-day week in the UK.

The polling comes as 42 cross-party MPs from Labour, SNP, Plaid Cymru, the SDLP and the Green Party have signed an Early Day Motion calling on the Government to set up a commission to consider the proposal.

The full question in the polling from Survation was:

Q1. Some people have recently suggested that a four-day working week could help us recover from the impact of COVID-19 by sharing work more equally across the economy, with no reduction in pay for workers except for the highest earners. Supporters say it could improve wellbeing, boost the economy and reduce sick days, while some businesses argue their wage bill may increase whilst paying current wages for shorter hours. To what extent would you support or oppose the government exploring the introduction of a four day working week?

Will Stronge, Director of Research for Autonomy, said:

“The research demonstrates that a shorter working week is beneficial to the environment, to our wellbeing and to staff performance in businesses. It’s a ‘multi-dividend’ policy. 

“The Coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the inadequacies of our labour market and has hit those on low incomes in stressful, key worker jobs hardest. A fairer, post-COVID economy that benefits workers is the right thing to do and shorter working hours with no reduction in pay should be part of that.”

Joe Ryle, a campaigner with the 4 Day Week Campaign, said:

“The four-day week is an idea that is gaining momentum across the world right now because people are reimagining a better future for themselves post COVID-19.”

“A four-day working week is a no-brainer. Why wouldn’t we want to be happier, healthier and at the same time – more productive at work?”

The poll follows other surveys in recent years that show strong public support for the idea in the UK.

The TUC’s 2018 survey of workers from across industries showed a clear preference for a four-day week.