Shorter Working Week Campaign

 It’s Time to Rethink the Working Week

CWU North Anglia Branch is proud to support the growing movement for a shorter working week with no loss of pay and fully back the CWU's campaign — because work should enhance life, not consume it.

For decades, the idea of a full-time job has remained largely unchanged. The average working week in the UK still hovers around 37 hours, despite massive shifts in technology, productivity, and the way we live. Yet historically, working hours have reduced over time, from 48 hours in 1952 to the now-standard 40-hour week, thanks to trade union struggle and even unexpected allies like Henry Ford, who found shorter hours boosted productivity.

 But for the past 30 years, progress has stalled.

Meanwhile, businesses continue to chase efficiency through automation and AI, and it’s time workers saw the benefit too.

 AI should serve the workforce, not just the bottom line.

If technology allows us to do more in less time, then it should also allow us to work less, with no reduction in pay. The future of work must be fair, balanced, and human-centred.

 The evidence is clear.

A 2023 trial led by Autonomy, Cambridge University, and Boston College saw 61 employers reduce working hours while maintaining full pay.

The results?

-  71% of employees reported lower burnout

-  Mental and physical health improved

-  Sick days dropped by 65%

-  Staff retention soared — with a 57% drop in resignations

-  Revenue rose by 1.4%, and by 35% compared to previous years

-  92% of companies continued the four-day week after the pilot

 CWU members agree.

In our recent survey of nearly 9,500 members in Telecoms and Financial Services, 92.5% work full-time, and nearly half follow the Monday–Friday model. The appetite for change is real, and growing.

 Across the globe, momentum is building.

From Bernie Sanders’ 32-hour week bill in the US to UK MPs calling for new trials, what once seemed a pipe dream is now a credible, evidence-backed movement.

 Our message to employers:

'Lead your industry. Attract and retain top talent. Improve wellbeing. Boost productivity'.

Our message to members:

'Back the campaign and help pressure our employers to allow for us to enjoy more time with family, more time on that hobby, further education or whatever you'd choose to do'.

Embrace the shorter working week.

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