Chorley Group is challenging the industry-wide norm by rolling-out a four-day working week.

Staff at the retailer’s Nissan Preston site were reportedly “apprehensive” when they became guinea pigs for the new scheme in June but their embrace of the new work pattern has prompted its imminent roll-out to the business’ Burnley operation, according to the Lancashire Telegraph.

Commenting on the shift to new shift patterns, which began as a three-month trial, Chorley Group managing director Pauline Turner said: “Staff were initially apprehensive but after a month of the trial they requested a permanent move.”

Staff work an average of two hours extra per day to liberate the three days they spend away from work each week. The result is an extra 46.5 days off-site each year.

Turner said that the group has benefitted by being able to offer customers longer opening hours.

She also believes that productivity has increased in the Preston site’s workshops with Master technicians freed up to spend more time supporting apprentices.

Chorley Group currently represents Nissan, Hyundai, Kia and Fiat at eight sites across the North West.