Readers have reacted to a proposal to offer workers the right to ask for flexible working from day one of employment which would include being able to ask to work a four-day week.

The proposal, which has sparked a flurry of comments on The Northern Echo's Facebook page, appears to have divided opinion among readers.

Former worker at British Steel in Hartlepool, Keith McCarthy said: "When I worked during quiet production times we worked a 3-day week consisting of 3/13 hour days.

"This saved the company money in energy bills and although a long day, the employees were happy with the arrangement."

However, Alison Denton disagreed, stating, "It’s totally not practical for every job out there and it will end a lot of small businesses."

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Aside from concerns, some readers highlighted the benefits of compressed working schedules, such as Neil Lammin, who prefers the flexibility of his 12-hour shifts compared to longer hours worked by his friends.

While some readers have expressed that it might not be practical for every job or business, a number of readers pointed towards the positive change it has already had on their lives.

Alison Devereux said: "My husband does this and it has made such a difference to our family life."

Meanwhile, David Beevers shared his experience of compressed hours in his past work, and praised the introduction of a four-day week.

He said: "When I was working, especially in the 70s we compressed our hours and I worked 4 days one week and three the next which equalled a 70-hour fortnight. Brilliant!"

However, some suggested that the plan may not be feasible across all sectors.

Sandra Knights said: "Not sure how that would work in hospitality sector!" while Mandy Stewart questioned how this would be implemented in the care sector, where staff are "already doing 12 to 13 hours a day."

Speaking to LBC, Government minister Baroness Jacqui Smith said: "We think that flexible working is actually good for productivity.

"The four-day week that I know is on the front of quite a lot of newspapers today, what we’re actually talking about there is the type of flexible working that enables you to use compressed hours.

“So perhaps instead of working eight hours a day for five days, you work 10 hours a day for four days.

“You’re still doing the same amount of work, but perhaps you’re doing it in a way that enables you, for example, to need less childcare, to spend more time with your family, to do other things, that encourages more people into the workplace.”