The UK government’s flexible working plans, including the option to compress a five-day workweek into four longer days, aim to boost productivity and attract more people into the workforce. Labour's proposals would make flexible working the default, requiring employers to justify any refusals. While business groups express concerns about potential increased costs and regulatory burdens, proponents argue that flexible working could help retain talent and improve work-life balance. Critics caution that the impact on productivity varies and that businesses must carefully manage the changes to ensure they benefit both employers and employees.