A Labour frontbencher has said it is not the party’s policy to have a four-day week in the NHS.
Richard Burgon, the shadow justice secretary, was challenged on his party’s policy during ITV’s seven-way General Election debate.
Treasury minister Rishi Sunak accused Labour of making “baseless allegations” regarding claims that the health service is for sale.
He told Mr Burgon: “The real risk to the NHS are your reckless plans for the economy, Richard, which will mean there isn’t money to invest, and silly plans like the four-day week.”
But the Labour minister replied: “It is not Labour’s policy to have a four-day week in the National Health Service.”
Challenging the comment, Mr Sunak said: “John McDonnell stood there and said very clearly that it would apply to everyone. Are you now saying that he was wrong?”
Mr Burgon replied: “No, I’m reiterating what he said before which is the idea of people working a four-day week at some point in the future – in maybe 10 years – is something which could be considered.”
Shadow chancellor Mr McDonnell said last month that Labour’s plans for a 32-hour working week will apply to all employees and will be implemented over a decade.
