Summary of findings
• We provide a conservative, ‘worst-case’ scenario for the
impacts on profitability of a suddenly-implemented four
day week in the private sector.
• We find that a four day week with no loss of pay would
be affordable for most firms once the initial phase of the
Covid-19 crisis has passed.
• However, some firms in some industries would experience
cashflow problems if changes were implemented too
quickly.
• A four day week with no loss of pay will most likely be
implemented in the public sector before the private
sector.
• Public sector organisations could influence private
sector businesses through procurement policy and other
indirect routes.
• The process of changing expectations and behavioural
norms could be sped up by the creation of more bank
holidays, and the reintroduction of pro-union legislation.
Even if a four day week in the private sector took longer
than expected, a four day week in the public sector
could support the UK’s long-term recovery from the
Covid-19 crisis
