Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the benefits of a shorter working week.

Individuals and employers working together should be able to decide what flexible working arrangements work best for them.

The Government’s consultation and accompanying impact assessment on “making flexible working the default” showed there are benefits associated with all kinds of flexible working arrangements. These benefits include reduced vacancy costs; increased skill retention; enhanced business performance; and reduced staff absenteeism rates.

Our consultation closed on 1st December 2021. We are currently reviewing the responses and will respond in due course.