The number of four-day week jobs advertised has soared over the past year.

A report by job site CV-Library showed that adverts for four-day week positions have increased by around 90 per cent, particularly in sectors such as charities, sales, distribution and catering, as reported by Sky.

The South West is one of the areas with the biggest rise in four-day week jobs, along with Wales, the South East and London.

The findings come days after companies across a range of industries launched a six month trial of a four-day week with no loss of pay.

The four-day week is a new way to attract staff in an increasingly competitive market.

The results of the trials should show whether a four-day working week is viable and sustainable for businesses, rather than a short-term solution fix to attract and retain top talent.

The firms taking part in the trial will still give workers 100 per cent of their pay, on the understanding that they maintain maximum productivity.

The four-day week is considered to be a 'triple dividend' policy - to help employees, businesses and the climate.