Four out of five want a shorter work week as new technology makes jobs more efficient

The majority of people believe a four day working week is the way to go as new technology makes jobs more efficient.

Research by the TUC revealed that four out of five want to cut their working hours without loss of pay in a survey of over 2,000 people.

As technology develops, a union leader has urged for changes to end the "always on" culture.

Frances O’Grady, general secretary of the TUC, called for a four-day week at the TUC Congress in Manchester.

She said: “In the 19th century, unions campaigned for an eight-hour day. In the 20th century, we won the right to a two-day weekend and paid holidays.

“So, for the 21st century, let’s lift our ambition again.

“I believe that in this century we can win a four-day working week, with decent pay for everyone.

“It’s time to share the wealth from new technology. Not allow those at the top to grab it for themselves.

“We need strong unions with the right to go into every workplace, starting with Amazon’s warehouses here in the UK.”

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Employers were accused of making staff work unpredictable or unsocial hours because of an “always on” culture.

Frances O’Grady said too many firms were using technology to treat workers unfairly.

She added: “Bosses and shareholders must not be allowed to hoover up all the gains from new tech for themselves.

“Working people deserve their fair share – and that means using the gains from new tech to raise pay and allow more time with their families.

“If productivity gains from new technology are even half as good as promised then the country can afford to make working lives better.”