Four-Day Week Could Transform Employment Access and Inclusion for Disabled Workers | Disability Rights UK

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How would a four-day week impact Disabled people, and what would the benefits and challenges be?

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Publish Date

8 June 2026 - 9:00am

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News

Employment

Equality & Rights

A new research briefing by Disability Rights UK, Patchwork Hub and the 4 Day Week Foundation highlights how a genuine four-day working week would be a major step forward for Disabled people's inclusion in the workplace. The briefing is based on evidence gathered through a focus group with Disabled workers, alongside wider research into flexible and reduced-hours working. It highlights how a four-day, 32-hour working week with no loss of pay - rather than compressed hours - can improve the health, wellbeing and long-term employment sustainability for Disabled workers.

The organisations argue that reducing working hours to 32 hours per week with no loss of pay - rather than compressing the same hours into fewer days - can significantly improve health, wellbeing and long-term employment outcomes for Disabled workers and carers.<br>Drawing on evidence from Disabled and neurodivergent workers, the briefing highlights how greater control over working time and patterns can help people better manage impairments, energy-limiting conditions, medical appointments and caring responsibilities, while maintaining or improving productivity.<br>The briefing argues that making reduced working hours universal across an organisation helps normalise flexibility for everyone, removing stigma and reducing the need for Disabled employees to request individual exceptions or disclose health conditions.<br>The organisations say a four-day week should complement, not replace, existing reasonable adjustments and flexible working arrangements. They are calling on employers and policymakers to recognise reduced working time as a practical and inclusive organisational intervention that reflects the realities of today’s workforce and supports better quality jobs for all.<br>Dan White, Campaign's and Policy Officer at Disability Rights UK, said:<br>“For many Disabled employees, work isn’t just about getting the job done, it’s about carefully managing our energy and health, unpredictable situations, and persistent barriers to inclusion. For too long Disabled people have been forced to juggle their health against rigid and often outdated working patterns and practices, forcing many to exit the workforce.<br>“A four-day week, a genuine reduction in hours with no loss of pay, would make a transformative difference to Disabled people, giving us the time and flexibility to attend appointments, manage fluctuating conditions, protect mental health and progress in our chosen employment. Employers would also see the benefits with gains in productivity and performance.<br>“If implemented, alongside other flexibilities, this would be a practical, inclusive change that would enable Disabled people to sustain and thrive in work, rather than simply survive it. A four-day working week for Disabled people isn’t a perk - it’s a smarter, fairer way of designing work, so more people can secure employment and stay in and succeed at work."<br>James Reeves, Campaign Manager at The 4 Day Week Foundation, said:<br>“This research shows that a genuine four-day week can be a powerful tool for inclusion in the workplace.<br>“Disabled workers should not have to choose between their health and work. A four-day, 32-hour working week gives Disabled workers more time to rest, recover and manage their condition.<br>“As hundreds of companies and one local council have already shown, a four-day week with no loss of pay can be a win-win for both workers and employers.”<br>The full PDF can be viewed and downloaded on the right-hand side of this webpage.