John McDonnell has promised a 32 hour work week within 10 years, what on Earth is going on?
This would reduce the work week to around a 4 day work week. This does not mean another day off, just less hours per day.
The shadow chancellor is adamant that this will come without a “loss of pay.” This comes as a shock. The UK average work week is 42.5 hours, compared to the EU average- 41.2 hours.
McDonnell told Labour’s annual conference in Brighton “We should work to live, not love to work. As society gets richer, we should be able to rest more.”
He went on to say “But in recent decades progress has stalled. Since the 1980s the link between increasing productivity and expanding free time has been broken. It’s time to change this- this needs to change.”
Labour pledged the introduction of four new public holidays. This was made in their 2017 general election manifesto, however, it didn’t mention working hours.
The BBC reports that McDonnell also pledges to end the UK’s opt out from the EU working time directive. Something that caps at 48 hours, where people can work in an average week.
Will the 4 day work week work?
Probably not. Whilst for many people it may seem great. It’s all about economics. If businesses can’t make money, this will impact the economy. This is something that can’t be overlooked.
If the economy slumps, this is bad for approval ratings. It’s already reported that Brexit will impact the economy.
This is reported to have an impact of £6 billion per year.
Others have argued for better wages, not lower hours. Whilst businesses justifiably won’t like either option. Higher wages are more likely to be granted.
McDonnell has argued for Collective Bargaining. By this, unions and employees would agree better wages and conditions. Collective bargaining is quite popular in the UK. It may also be a better alternative to rge 4 day work week…
The “Brexit” stance
McDonnell also defended the Labour-Brexit stance. Something that would see Corbyn renegotiate a deal with Brussels. He would then put it to the people- Leave or Remain?
Corbyn has said that revoking Article 50 would give the wrong message.
“We can’t say to people ‘Labour wants you to share in the running of your workplace. As well as your community and your environment.’ But then turn around and ‘We don’t trust you to have the final say over Brexit.’”