Four-day week: ‘major breakthrough’ as most UK firms in trial extend changes

Nearly all companies taking part opt to continue with new pattern as staff report better work-life balance

The vast majority of companies taking part in the world's largest trial of a four-day week have opted to continue with the new working pattern, in a result hailed as evidence that it could work across the UK economy.

Of the 61 companies that entered the six-month trial, 56 have extended the four-day week, including 18 who have made it permanent.