• This is a report on the findings of an
  intensive consultation process involving
  staff from across the Scottish Government.

• The consultation process involved working
  with the PCS Scotland trade union, and
  speaking to PCS, Prospect and FDA trade
  union members as well as non-union
  members.

• The report’s findings suggest that
  many business areas within the Scottish
  Government could move to a shorter
  working week without having to employ
  new staff. The report also reveals that in
  some roles the move to a shorter work
  week will be more complex than others
  and would therefore involve new hires.

• Staff feedback suggests any
  implementation of a shorter working
  week should include the whole Scottish
  Government and be done in such a way
  as to not undermine future negotiations
  over pay and conditions.

• A poll of a sample of over 2000
  employees from across Scottish Government
  revealed large support for the idea. 87%
  agreed that the employer should pilot a
  four-day working week across all areas of
  Scottish Government.

• All three modes of engagement
  demonstrated how valued flexible working
  is within the Scottish Government, with
  84% agreeing that they have sufficient
  flexibility within their job.

• A large majority of staff (84%) also
  believed that they could adapt their
  work processes in order to suit a shorter
  working week.

• The report demonstrates clear, perceived
  benefits for the employer. These include:
  retention and recruitment of staff;
  being seen as a pioneer in setting new
  working time standards for the Scottish
  economy; and having a happier/ healthier
  workforce.

Authors:

Kyle Lewis
Will Stronge

Cat Boyd, PCS National Officer, said:

“The Covid-19 pandemic has shown that we are able to work in ways many employers told us weren’t possible before.

Through this project, Scottish Government staff are making it clear that the future can be different, that it can be better for workers, employers, the economy and the environment. The Scottish Government should now lead the way on the four day week by working with PCS to make these possibilities into realities.”

Will Stronge, Director of Research at Autonomy, said:

“This study shows the wide breadth of support there is for a four day week across Scottish Government. The SNP already have a national-level pilot planned but there is now a strong case for expanding this to include government workers. The four-day week is an idea whose time has come.”

This project was supported by the PCS Scotland trade union.