Scotland’s extra bank holiday marking the national team’s return to the World Cup has prompted renewed calls for a permanent move towards a four day working week.
The Scottish Greens say the additional day off has given people a chance to experience some of the benefits associated with a shorter working week, including improved work life balance and greater flexibility.
The bank holiday was introduced to celebrate Scotland qualifying for the World Cup, with the national men’s team competing at the tournament for the first time in almost three decades.
Scottish Greens co leader Gillian Mackay, who was among the first politicians to call for an additional bank holiday following qualification, said the occasion highlighted the wider benefits of giving people more time away from work.
The party has long campaigned for industries across Scotland to adopt a four day working week without any reduction in pay.
Supporters of the policy argue that a shorter working week can improve wellbeing, increase productivity and help people better balance work with family life, caring responsibilities and personal interests.
Ms Mackay said:
“I’m sure thousands of us will have tuned in to cheer on Scotland this weekend and revel in the excitement of the World Cup kicking off, so it’s great that we were able to secure an extra bank holiday to reset before heading back to work tomorrow.
“Nobody should feel that their whole life has to revolve around work, but for too many of us that tends to be the case.
“People stuck in this cycle can end up living for the rest they get on two days at the weekend, the odd bank holiday here and there.
“We need to give more people that chance to actually enjoy what they do for work without burning out, and let them exist outside of work too.
“Whether it’s juggling family life, attending hospital appointments, working on a passion project, socialising with friends or simply getting a bit more time to sleep, a four-day week without loss of pay has been proven to benefit everyone.
“One extra day during the week makes workers feel valued.
“Trials are showing that this model increases productivity and job satisfaction, as well as reducing stress that usually leads to people needing time off.
“The four-day work week is also good for wider society as well.
“Our NHS and mental health services are under pressure, so having an extra day to yourself can hugely decrease work-related stress and exhaustion, which helps to ease that pressure.
“That’s why we want to work with trade unions and employers across Scotland to promote and normalise the benefits of a four-day working week, with no loss of pay.”
The comments come as debate continues across the UK and internationally over alternative working patterns, with supporters pointing to improved wellbeing and productivity, while critics raise concerns about costs and practical implementation in some sectors.
For many workers enjoying an unexpected long weekend, the extra day off has also reopened a wider conversation about how work and life should be balanced in modern Scotland.
