A number of British companies are set to trial a four-day working week as part of a pilot programme to see whether staff can produce the same results while on less hours.
The initiative, which is growing in popularity across the globe, is based on the 100:80:100 model. Workers maintain 100 per cent of their pay in exchange for 80 per cent of their time and a commitment to give at least 100 per cent productivity.
If successful, the trial could pave the way for a contracted working week for millions of people across the UK.
The UAE recently swapped its Sunday to Thursday working week for a 4.5 day schedule operating Monday to Friday, which allows people to leave early for Friday prayers.
The Gulf state is seeking to strengthen its appeal to tourists and businesses as it emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The trial in Britain is being organised by 4 Day Week Global in partnership with leading think tank Autonomy and the 4 Day Week UK Campaign. Researchers at Cambridge University and Oxford University in the UK and at Boston College in the US have also been brought on board.
Staff at Canon Medical Research’s office in Edinburgh, Scotland, are among those taking part.
So far, six companies have signed up for the pilot, scheduled to start in June. Researchers hope to bring up to 30 firms on board before then.
The scheme will run parallel with similar programmes led by 4 Day Week Global in Ireland, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
The governments of Scotland and Spain have launched their own trials.
Researchers will closely monitor the results and examine whether staff are maintaining the same level of output on a shorter timeline.
The impact on the environment and gender equality will also be assessed.
Camera giant Canon said 140 employees at its Edinburgh plant, where medical and intelligence software is developed, will take part.
Ken Sutherland, the president of Canon Medical Research Europe, said the pandemic had “substantially” changed people's working patterns and their appreciation for work-life balance. He said the firm is exploring ways to adapt to the changing environment going forward.
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Rocketman
Director: Dexter Fletcher
Starring: Taron Egerton, Richard Madden, Jamie Bell
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
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- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
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- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Tips for job-seekers
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- Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.
David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Your Guide to the Home
- Level 1 has a valet service if you choose not to park in the basement level. This level houses all the kitchenware, including covetable brand French Bull, along with a wide array of outdoor furnishings, lamps and lighting solutions, textiles like curtains, towels, cushions and bedding, and plenty of other home accessories.
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Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
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THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
Tips for taking the metro
- set out well ahead of time
- make sure you have at least Dh15 on you Nol card, as there could be big queues for top-up machines
- enter the right cabin. The train may be too busy to move between carriages once you're on
- don't carry too much luggage and tuck it under a seat to make room for fellow passengers
Joker: Folie a Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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United States
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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Norway
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Canada
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SPECS
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
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RESULT
Chelsea 2
Willian 13'
Ross Barkley 64'
Liverpool 0
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
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- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
ASSASSIN'S%20CREED%20MIRAGE
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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