A spokesman for the Labour government has rejected the idea that this type of work week will become mandatory for companies in the country.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government plans to offer eligible UK workers a four-day workweek, though they would still have to work the hours stipulated in their employment contracts.

"We believe that flexible working hours are good for productivity. [...] Maybe instead of working eight hours a day for five days you can work ten hours for four," said Apprenticeship Secretary Jacqui Smith on LBC radio.

"It would be the same amount of work, but in a way that would allow you to spend less on childcare or spend more time with your family. It would attract more people to the workforce and help our primary objective of promoting growth," he added.

However, Smith has acknowledged that certain jobs, such as those of teachers, cannot be adapted to this model, although he has indicated that although "many people cannot benefit from it", this should not imply that other workers "should not have the opportunity to do so".

However, a spokesman for the Labour government has rejected the idea that this type of work week will become mandatory for companies in the country.

"We are not planning to impose a four-day workweek on either employers or employees. Any changes to employment law will be consulted on in collaboration with businesses," a spokesperson for Starmer's government said. He also said that more details of the plan would be provided over the next 100 days.