The number of UK workers adopting a four-day week has risen sharply since the pandemic, with new data suggesting the shift could mark a long-term change in working patterns.

Office for National Statistics (ONS) analysis reveals that more than 100,000 employees have switched to a full-time four-day week since Covid-19. Overall, the proportion of UK workers on four-day schedules has grown from 9.8% to 10.9%, equating to almost 2.7 million people – though this figure also includes part-time roles.

Campaign group the 4 Day Week Foundation has also published fresh analysis, estimating that over 420 companies and 12,000 employees have permanently adopted a four-day, 32-hour week on full pay. This includes organisations signed up to its Employer Accreditation Scheme, alongside others independently trialling the model.

Recent high-profile adopters include South Cambridgeshire District Council, the first UK council to embed the policy permanently after a 27-month trial. The council reported improved service delivery, a 43% rise in job retention, happier staff, and nearly £400,000 in annual savings.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Government has launched its own public sector pilot, with results expected soon.

Sam Hunt, Business Network Coordinator at the Foundation, said, “The number of workers that have switched to a four-day week since Covid is very significant. We’re only at the beginning, but we believe it can become the norm within 10 years.”

Hunt added that the five-day week is a “century-old model” that no longer fits modern life and work, calling the shift an overdue update to working practices.