AN OVERWHELMING majority of Scottish government workers want a four-day working week trialled, research has found.

A survey carried out by the Autonomy think tank on behalf of the PCS union found that 87 per cent of staff supported the initiative.

The researchers, who spoke to more than 2,000 workers, say that a four-day week would boost productivity to such an extent that many business areas could make the change without having to employ new staff. 

The research also found that the government could improve retention and recruitment of staff with a shorter working week and that it could also yield a healthier workforce.

PCS national officer Cat Boyd said: “Through this project, Scottish government staff are making it clear that the future can be different, that it can be better for workers, employers, the economy and the environment. 

“The Scottish government should now lead the way on the four-day week by working with PCS to make these possibilities into realities.”

National-level pilots are already being planned in Scotland after the SNP pledged to support businesses in trialling the initiative.

Autonomy research director Will Stronge said “there is now a strong case for expanding this to include government workers,” and that the four-day week’s time has come.

A government spokesman said the research was led entirely by PCS and does not represent a commitment from Scottish government to a four-day working week.

He said there were “clearly many significant policy and practical issues” to be considered, but said it would work with trade unions on the issue.