A LABOUR Minister has slapped down civil servants demanding to work a four-day week.

Emma Reynolds accused them of trying to drag Britain back to the 1970s and said the idea was for the birds.

The PCS union that represents Whitehall staff insists departments could see £21.4million a year increased productivity.

But Pensions Minister Ms Reynolds said bluntly: “Well they won’t get one.”

When pressed as to why, she added: “Because we’re not living in the 1970s.”

The 1970s saw ministers forced to introduce a three-day week to conserve power amid strikes from coal miners and railway workers.

Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesman added that it was “not government policy to support a four-day working week.”

The PCS union, which represents Whitehall staff, insists the working week cut could see £21.4million a year in increased productivity.

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “The government’s knee-jerk response is disappointing.

“Especially as they ignore the evidence in front of them that a four-day week can lead to real gains, including financial savings, for employers and workers.”

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