The Scottish government has announced plans to trial a new four-day working week, with no loss of wages or cut hours for staff - meaning that their take-home pay will stay the same.
It comes as many are realising that the return to work will take some time, given the events of the past year and a half.
Some are seeing this as an opportunity to implement new working practices, with trials for a four-day working week now officially being floated in Scotland.
Holyrood has commissioned a report, out today, which draws on the experience of similar schemes in New Zealand and Iceland for inspiration.
The report seeks to provide some evidence to support why a four-day working week would be a good thing to introduce, with benefits ranging from increased employee productivity to overall staff happiness and wellbeing.
IPPR Scotland (the Institute for Public Policy Research) has said that there would be a system to assess who will qualify for reduced hours, and these could be given as a mix of annual leave entitlement, more public holidays, and parental leave.
The new Scottish trial will reportedly seek to discover how a Low Hours Commission, as recommended by IPPR Scotland, will benefit those in non-office employment and on lower pay.
Those with part-time or condensed working hours will also be included in the trial.
The report also suggests that maximum hours should be capped, and a minimum hours floor introduced.
This idea is not a new one, and has been floated by politicians in the UK before - notably by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn as well as by Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Speaking to The Independent earlier this year, Ms. Sturgeon promised to trial the four day working week - and now it appears she is about to deliver on that promise.
She said: “Before the pandemic struck, many people were already worried about work-life balance. We want to do more to support people to achieve a better balance and help businesses employ as many people as possible.
“As part of that, we will establish a £10m fund to support willing companies to explore and pilot the benefits of a four-day working week.”
David Hockney, one of Britain's most influential and recognisable artists, has sadly died.
Born in Bradford in 1937, David Hockney built a career spanning more than six decades and became one of the most influential figures in contemporary art.
He was best known for his vibrant paintings, from the iconic swimming pools of Los Angeles to the sweeping landscapes of Yorkshire and Normandy.
And of course you can't forget the adorable paintings of his sausage dogs Stanley and Boodgie.
This morning on Friday 12 June, it was sadly announced that David Hockney had passed away - just one month prior of his 89th birthday.
Admired by critics and the public alike, Hockney's work was exhibited around the world and attracted record-breaking prices, cementing his place as one of the defining artists of the modern era.
Most recently, his incredibly immersive exhibition 'Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)' was a hit across the country, proving his work still resonated with the people of today.
His work at Salts Mill has remained in exhibit for years, including his special digital drawings that he did on his iPad.
His death marks the end of a truly extraordinary career, but his influence on British culture and contemporary art will endure for years to come.
A true West Yorkshire icon that will be missed by many from across the globe. RIP David.
Featured image - Publicity photo via Justin Sutcliffe (supplied)
News
A breathtaking giant sculpture of the sun has arrived in Yorkshire for the summer
Clementine Hall
A giant model of the sun is now illuminated in Wakefield.
The sun has arrived in Wakefield… and we’re not just referring to that one that’s popped up in the sky at long last (sort of).
We’re taking about Helios, the amazing art installation that’s about to stop off at Wakefield Exchange as it tours around the UK.
Created by renowned artist, Luke Jerram, the beautiful art piece measures a whopping seven-metres in diameter and has been created using images captured by NASA.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Helios builds on the success of Luke Jerram’s previous installations in Wakefield, including the hugely popular Museum of the Moon.
With its striking scale and rich scientific detail,the artwork provides a safe and captivating way to encounter the Sun up close, highlighting everything from solar flares to the phenomena that created the unforgettable Northern Lights visible across the UK in 2024.
Stepping beneath the breathtaking glowing sculpture, audiences can experience an atmospheric fusion of solar imagery, sunlight and a specially commissioned surround‑sound composition that brings the science and mystery of our nearest star vividly to life.
Alongside the striking sun instillation, Wakefield Exchange will present a full programme of free, family‑friendly, space‑themed activities throughout the summer.
Visitors can enjoy hands‑on workshops, creative crafts, dressing‑up sessions and playful drop‑in experiences.
Helios will be hosted by Wakefield Exchange from Friday 12 June until Sunday 6 September 2026, and you can find out more here on their website.
Georgina Pellant -
1st September 2021 
