A fairer working week for Scotland
Annabelle Ewing supports a carefully designed four-day working week trial because Scotland needs practical answers to pressures facing households, employers and public services. The proposal is not about asking people to work less while expecting the same results without preparation. It is about testing whether better organisation, improved productivity and a healthier balance between work and home can strengthen Scotland’s economy.
For families across Ochil and South Perthshire, working life is shaped by long commutes, rising household costs and the difficulty of fitting caring responsibilities around inflexible schedules. A shorter working week could give people more time for family, community activity and recovery, while helping businesses attract and retain skilled staff.
A national trial would allow Scotland to gather evidence rather than rely on slogans. Different sectors could test appropriate models, measure outcomes and identify where a four-day pattern works best. Annabelle’s approach is rooted in fairness, evidence and the belief that Scotland should have the powers needed to shape its own economic future.
Testing a better way to work
A four-day week does not have to mean one fixed arrangement for every workplace. Some employers might reduce hours across five days, while others could move to four longer days or introduce staggered schedules. The right model would depend on the sector, the workforce and the needs of customers and service users.
The purpose of a trial would be to examine productivity, staff wellbeing, recruitment, absenteeism and business performance. Employers would need clear guidance and support to establish a baseline, monitor results and report honestly. Lessons from the pilot could then inform wider workplace policy.
Supporting workers and employers
Many businesses already recognise that recruitment and retention are central to their success. Offering greater flexibility can make jobs more attractive, especially for parents, unpaid carers, older workers and people managing health conditions. A shorter working week could also reduce burnout and improve employee engagement.
Employers would understandably want reassurance about costs and service delivery. A Scottish trial should therefore include small businesses as well as larger organisations, with access to advice, independent evaluation and targeted financial support where appropriate. The objective would be a responsible transition, not an unfunded obligation.
Strengthening Scotland’s economy
Economic recovery should be measured by more than headline growth. It should also reflect household security, health, productivity and the quality of employment. If workers are less exhausted and more focused, businesses may see improvements in output, staff retention and customer service.
A four-day working week could support local economies, too. An additional day away from work may create more time for shopping locally, taking part in sport, volunteering and using cultural or leisure facilities. In towns and villages across Perthshire and Clackmannanshire, that activity could help sustain high streets and community organisations.
What a Scottish trial could measure
A credible pilot would need transparent criteria and regular public reporting. It should compare participating workplaces with similar organisations using their existing schedules, while recognising that results may vary between offices, manufacturing, retail, care and public services.
The table below illustrates the areas that could be assessed:
| Area | Possible measure | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Productivity | Output per worker or completed casework | Tests whether performance can be maintained or improved |
| Wellbeing | Staff surveys, sickness absence and turnover | Shows effects on health, morale and retention |
| Business impact | Revenue, operating costs and recruitment time | Identifies benefits and financial pressures |
| Community life | Volunteering, caring and local spending | Measures wider social and economic value |
| Service access | Opening hours, response times and customer feedback | Protects the needs of the public and service users |
Independent analysis would be essential. Workers, employers and trade unions should all have a role in assessing the evidence. The results should be published in full, including where a particular model fails to deliver.
Making flexibility work for everyone
A shorter working week must not create a two-tier labour market in which professional workers gain flexibility while low-paid or frontline staff are left behind. The trial should include protections for pay, fair scheduling and meaningful consultation. It should also examine the impact on part-time workers and people already carrying disproportionate caring responsibilities.
Some services will need continuous staffing, so flexibility may involve rota changes rather than the same day off for everyone. Hospitals, care providers, transport operators and emergency services require careful planning. A trial can help develop practical solutions without compromising safety or access.
Giving Scotland the power to choose
Employment policy is closely connected to Scotland’s wider economic ambitions, yet many important decisions remain reserved to Westminster. Annabelle Ewing believes Scotland should have the democratic authority to design policies suited to its own population, regions and industries.
A Scottish four-day week pilot would be one example of a country testing progressive ideas through evidence and public participation. It would also demonstrate how independence could give Scotland greater control over workplace rights, economic development and social wellbeing.
To support this vision:
- Back evidence-led trials that include workers, employers and trade unions.
- Demand proper protections for pay, working conditions and service quality.
- Support small businesses with guidance and resources during participation.
- Measure outcomes openly across urban, rural and island communities.
- Vote for representatives who will argue for Scotland’s interests at Westminster.
Annabelle Ewing is campaigning for a fairer, more productive Scotland where economic policy serves people and communities. Learn more about her work for Ochil and South Perthshire, follow the campaign’s latest updates and get involved in building support for a four-day working week trial.