MPs urge Sunak to consider a four-day week

Labour's former shadow chancellor John McDonnell, the SNP's Mhairi Black and Green MP Caroline Lucas have written to Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

Backed by campaigners and the Communication Workers Union, they asked for a commission to be set up to mirror one established in Scotland.

They argue a four-day working week would improve mental health and wellbeing and be a boost to the economy, democracy and environment.

"It's in no one's interests to return back to the pressure and stress that people were under before this pandemic," they added.

In New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has floated the idea that a four-day week could aid the economy in the wake of the crisis.

Aidan Harper, an activist for the 4 Day Week Campaign, said: "Work has changed forever as a result of this crisis and we want to make sure we have a better model of work emerging from it as we had going in.

"If we are serious as a country about building back better after this pandemic, then a four-day week must be in the mix."