Jerba Campervans adopts four-day working week

Jerba Campervans, based near North Berwick, has taken the step to close on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.

The 15 members of staff will work an extra hour from Tuesday to Friday, resulting in the official working week dropping from 37.5 hours to 34 hours.

Jerba Campervans is the first automotive company to join the growing number of firms moving to a four-day working week, as part of a campaign by 4 Day Week.

Simon Poole, co-founder of the business at Halfland Barns, east of the town, said: “We are proud to be pioneering the four-day working week within the automotive industry.

“As a progressive, 100 per cent employee-owned company, we believe this will have wide-ranging benefits for our staff and our business, without negatively impacting upon our customers.

“Reducing working hours while maintaining pay is a positive step forward for our workforce.

“We are very confident that it will enhance wellbeing and work/life balance, boost productivity and help us to both retain and attract talented staff.”

'A win-win'

The four-day week programme argues that shortened weeks without loss of pay could improve productivity and staff wellbeing, while also reducing companies’ carbon footprint.

According to studies, 92 per cent of companies that have taken part in the pilot programme have decided to continue with the four-day week transition.

Jerba Campervans will be the third company with a presence in Scotland to join the programme.

Joe Ryle, director of the 4 Day Week Campaign, said: “Congratulations to Jerba Campervans, who have recognised that the four-day week with no loss of pay improves productivity, and is a win-win for both workers and employers.

“Workers are desperate for a better work/life balance after Covid and now is the perfect time for companies to implement a shorter working week.

“Organisations should embrace the four-day week as a way of retaining staff, attracting new talent and embracing the future of work.”