UK firms begin world’s biggest four-day week trial – with no loss of pay

A four-day week with no loss of pay is being trialled at dozens of companies across the UK from the 6th of June.

Companies will still give employees 100% pay on the understanding that they will still provide maximum productivity.  Reports suggest that research will be carried out to determine how well this trial has worked and whether both the companies and employees will benefit from this arrangement.  

Would you implement a 4-day week in your business? 

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Twice as many Londoners are now working from home as before the pandemic

Hybrid working is becoming more acceptable in the workplace now that covid has proved it can be done. Now more than ever, people are swapping their five days in the office with a long commute to the city, with only 2-3 days in the office.

This is, however, having an impact on the city, reducing the recovery of London compared to other big cities.

Some companies are trying to mandate a return to the office, which has been met with some resistance. Research has found older people are more likely to be open to the idea with almost 30% of people aged 50 and over saying they would choose to be in the office full-time, compared to just 14% of 16 to 24-year-olds.

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Should stamp duty be scrapped and replaced with capital gains tax?

In a poll, 38% said they wanted stamp duty to be replaced with capital gains tax. 

Such a move would be highly controversial, as while it shifts the tax burden from buyers to sellers who have profited from home ownership, it could lead to them paying a 28 per cent rate on gains, potentially running into hundreds of thousands of pounds.

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Petrol prices: Average cost of filling a family car hits £100 for first time

The cost of living has increased drastically over the last six months and is worsening.

The news today shows that a 55-litre tank will now cost around £100 to fill with fuel. Although Rishi Sunak cut fuel duty by 5p 3 months ago, this hasn’t made any difference to the fuel cost.

The AA urges the government to cut fuel duty by 10p a litre immediately and introduce a fuel price stabiliser, which would reduce fuel duty when prices increase and increase it when prices fall.

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