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The boss of a Sheffield firm working four-day weeks says it’s good – but on the fifth day you have to be ‘rigid’ about not answering the phone.

Richard Pitchfork, managing director of traditional sweet-maker Maxons, said he and brother Chris don’t give out their mobile phone numbers and don’t answer emails on Fridays because they ‘don’t want to give the impression they are working’.

The company, on Bradbury Street, in Meersbrook, switched over to Monday to Thursday operations in 2006 and would never go back, he added.

WHY DID THE COMPANY SWITCH TO A FOUR-DAY WEEK?

Made in Sheffield - Maxons Sweets, Bradbury Street. Pictured is MD Richard Pitchfork. Picture: Chris Etchells

It saves on fuel and climate change levy costs and gives staff time for jobs and appointments they might otherwise have to take time off for, affecting production.

It also saves on childcare for some and means everyone has the weekend to enjoy themselves and relax.

Mr Pitchfork commented as 30 firms across the UK start a four-day week trial to see if it boosts productivity and staff wellbeing.

WHAT HAVE BOSSES LEARNED TO DO TO?

Maxons Sweets, Bradbury Street. Pictured are Peter Frost and John Burton. Picture: Chris Etchells

He said: “It’s going very well. But we have to be disciplined, we don’t send emails on a Friday - or we might write it but not send it.

Four day working week pilot: Sheffield boss Richard Pitchfork of Maxons says strategy requires 'discipline

WHY DID THE COMPANY SWITCH TO A FOUR-DAY WEEK?

WHAT HAVE BOSSES LEARNED TO DO TO?