To think this is an improvement in working terms

[Wale90]

its become very clear our business can run with staff in for less hours, we've been very busy but despite reducing our working day for staff we are largely coping.

We cannot afford pay rises and staff already have an over average pay with more than the standard holiday allowance. If you were told your working day was to be reduced two hours, which would also mean you no longer qualify for a (unpaid) lunch break (30 mins) buf your salary is the same; would you this as an improvement? Or would you be disappointed in not getting an actual pay rise (last one being 3 years ago)

Will workload definitely be manageable?

Without staying late?

The lack of a reasonable break can be an issue for staff morale and productivity. Have you thought about a 9 day fortnight- same money but have a day off every other week. Really popular with staff and easy to administer.

I think this would definitely appeal to some people, probably those who are older or who have dependants.

On the other hand it wouldn't be attractive to many others: for example younger people starting off their careers and hoping to get into the property ladder who would, I imagine, be upset to lose the option of a pay rise.

I wouldn't say that it is necessarily an improvement, just different. One things I'd point out is that it might not look good on peoples' cvs or restrict job prospects in the future, because its less than part time working and doesn't enable them to show committment to working the full standard working week.

Personally, I'd prefer it, but only if I was in my dream job that I was unlikely to leave for the foresessable future.

Of course it's an improvement, some people are never happy and don't know a good thing when they see it.

The pay rise is unaffordable, so it's not happening even if they do refuse the shorter hours. But what the company is offering is shorter hours, so improved work life balance.

Anyone who had childcare costs might be able to reduce these, so has the same affect as a pay rise. Having more time available can also allow time to shop around and reduce grocery or other costs, take more free outdoor exercise, stop using a cleaner, ready meals or other expensive short cuts/help at home options.

A well paid part time or shorter than full time hours job is the holy grail for most people and they still get a short break and are allowed to eat and drink while working, so it's not like the lack of a formal lunch break is that much of a hardship.

Condense the days rather than the daily hours. Or at least give the staff members the option to do that. Then YANBU.