Saint-Josse experiments with four-day working week

Brussels' smallest municipality, Saint-Josse, will allow some town hall staff to work four days a week from next year - in an experiment that could be extended to all staff at a later date.

From January 2020, full-time municipal workers aged 55 and over can apply to reduce their working hours, without any loss of salary, bonuses, holiday or pension contributions.

The measure applies to 120 employed civil servants and contractors, and will cost an estimated €700,000 a year.

The municipality reached an agreement on terms with unions this week. Applicants must give two months' notice if they wish to take up the new arrangements.

"With this measure, Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode will be at the forefront of social progress and putting the well-being of workers first," said mayor Emir Kir.

"We hope that in the long run this can be applied to all workers, from the beginning of their career."