The workers getting 100% pay for 80% of the hours

Thousands of UK workers are starting a four-day week trial from Monday

About 70 companies are taking part in what is thought to be the world's biggest pilot scheme into the working pattern over the next six months, Qazet.az reports.

The experiment has been organised by a group campaigning for a shorter working week, but for no loss in wages.

During the trial, employees will get 100% pay for 80% of the hours they would usually work, with the aim of being more productive.

Academics from Oxford and Cambridge universities, as well experts at Boston College in the US, will manage the experiment in partnership with the think tank Autonomy.

Companies ranging from office-based software developers and recruitment firms to charities and a local fish and chip shop are taking part.

Sam Smith, co-founder of Pressure Drop Brewery in Tottenham, north London, said it felt "like a good time" for the firm to be trying different working practices.

"The pandemic's made us think a great deal about work and how people organise their lives," he added. "We're doing this to improve the lives of our staff and be part of a progressive change in the world that will improve people's mental health and wellbeing."

Mr Smith's challenge during the pilot scheme is pretty simple. His nine-strong team have to produce and package the same amount of beer as they do now, but in four days instead of five.

"I think it's about how you use your time," said Mr Smith. "So when I talk about being productive I don't mean being faster at the task you're doing right now, it might be making use of the natural downtimes you have to prepare better for the following day."