Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop MSP, highlighted the benefits coming from Four Day Week Trials in the Scottish Parliament on 28th September.
Fiona asked the Scottish Government to reiterate the Government’s commitment from its Programme for Government to four-day week pilots and to engage with other countries on this agenda.
Commenting Fiona said;
“In May I attended the Four Day Week International Summit in Valencia where I was keen to hear of the benefits of Four Day Week Pilots from those companies who have already trialled this from across the world. These include; productivity gains and increased recruitment and retention of staff.
“As the UK continues to have one of the lowest levels of productivity any new innovations to improve productivity should be looked at. As many sectors are struggling to recruit and retain staff the attraction of a 4 Day Week can provide a benefit to staff and enable business to help keep valued staff. I was pleased to hear the Minister Lorna Slater MSP reiterate the Scottish Government’s commitment to Four Day Week trials as this could increase productivity in Scotland and boost recruitment and retention of staff, which is essential in a tight labour market.
“In addition to these benefits, the four-day week could also have clear family friendly benefits, allowing more time with loved ones while also tackling gender equality issues and allowing communities more time for engagement bringing social capital benefits.
“I am also keen to see the Scottish Government engage with other Governments who are already seeing the benefits of their trials such as the Valencian Government or those who also committed to trials such as the Portuguese Government and was happy to hear the Minister reference planned meetings with these respective Governments.”
ENDS