A KEIGHLEY-based manufacturing firm is piloting an initiative which should see the company move to a four-day working week.

NSF Controls, in Ingrow, which makes solenoids, switches and electro-mechanical assemblies, says it aims to give employees a better work-life balance whilst improving productivity.

It plans to run a pilot programme to compress its 37-hour week into four working days – Monday to Thursday.

The company will remain open on Fridays, operating a skeleton staff.

NSF Controls’ CEO, Julian Heyworth, explained: “We want to ensure we’re at the top of our game when it comes to productivity. Having adopted a similar approach at a previous company I’ve managed, I’ve seen the benefits first-hand.

“A four-day working week enhances performance during working hours, whilst the three-day weekend brings people back refreshed.

“Our management and HR teams have worked closely to ensure the whole workforce is on-board.

“The pilot will be introduced from January 2019 with the idea that production and company targets will continue to be met, but in a more modern and productive environment.”

NSF Controls’ HR manager, Morgana Hartley, said: “People need more flexibility in their lives these days in order to achieve a better work-life balance, this is a step towards offering this as part of our HR policy. “We also see it as an opportunity to attract new talent to the business.”