This paper aims to demonstrate that the time we spend in work is neither natural nor inevitable. One of the central aims of this paper is to establish time itself as a site of political contestation – in the same vein as housing, healthcare, income, and national defence.

Working less would have a range of benefits for workers and employers and the world should embrace the four-day working week, was the message two experts brought to Davos 2019.

This briefing summarises the case for shortening people’s working hours without a loss in pay and puts forward an initial policy framework for getting there. It also marks the beginning of a new stream of work supporting those in trade unions, industry and government seeking to pursue this cause in the UK and across Europe.

This paper is a collection of contributions from leading academics and social justice campaigners providing different perspectives on the ideas of shorter working hours and Universal Basic Income.