A large trial of the four day working week in UK companies has been hailed a ‘major breakthrough’, with almost all of the participating companies choosing to continue using a shortened working pattern.

Staff participating in the scheme reported a much improved work-life balance and companies reported maintained or improved business productivity in almost every case.

The six-month trial, which involved 61 companies, found that 56 of them will continue with the four-day week, with 18 opting to make it a permanent change.