A FOUR-day working week with no loss of pay has the potential to transform lives, according to the Scottish Greens.

The party is urging employers to trial the idea and is backing an initiative this month to promote the policy.

Scottish Greens party and parliamentary staff are already on a four-day week.

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The party said it helps workers and employers.

It stated: “Better work-life balance, less stress, and more control over their lives are just some of the benefits that staff have reported.”

When in government under the Bute House agreement which Humza Yousaf ended when he was first minister, the Greens got support for four-day week trials in Scottish Government departments.

It said the UK Government halted plans for trials in council in England and wants the new Labour government to re-instate them.

Maggie Chapman, Greens workers’ rights spokesperson, said: “A four-day week would transform work for millions of people.

“It could have huge benefits for the health and wellbeing of workers. And it could benefit employers and wider society too.

“There are four-day week trials taking place in Scotland, and I hope that as many employers as possible will consider introducing a shorter work week. It is what we have done in the Scottish Greens and it has had huge benefits.

“By normalising a 4-day week without any loss of pay we can support and empower workers, allow them to spend more time with their families, friends and loved ones or on community and other interests. It can also help employers retain staff, manage sickness-absence better, and boost productivity."

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The party has urged employers across the country to support the 4UGUST initiative by the 4 Day Week campaign and Autonomy think tank, by trialling a four-day work week this month for their workers.

The Greens said the World Economic Forum recently noted that pilots of the four-day working week in Spain increased productivity, improved the physical and mental health of workers and reduced CO2 emissions as a result of fewer cars being on the road during the working week.