Sweden's six-hour day deemed “too expensive”

Despite fewer sick days and improved productivity, a two-year experiment for Sweden’s six-hour working day, trialled in Gothenburg, has failed – Bloomberg reports.

68 nurses in the employ of a care home all received a reduction in their working hours, from eight hours a-day to six, but not in pay. As a result, 17 extra employees were needed at a cost of over £1million. Participants said they felt healthier – sickness absence decreased – and patient care improved. However, the scheme won’t be made permanent.