The Shoura Council has reaffirmed its earlier recommendation that private sector firms should reduce their working week to 40 hours, with two days off.

This was the decision taken at the consultative body’s 16th meeting chaired by its Deputy Chairman Mohammed bin Ameen Al-Jafri. After the meeting, Yahya bin Abdullah Al-Samaan, assistant chairman of the body, said this translates into an eight-hour day, with seven hours a day during Ramadan for Muslims, or a 35-hour week.

Several members said that the reduction of the working week would see more Saudis employed in the private sector. Some called for a minimum salary to be set at SR6,000. Others said that many citizens had refused to take up private sector jobs because of long working hours.

One member who supported the decision, said the private sector had a responsibility to employ Saudis.

Another member opposing it said it could cause social and security problems because expatriates would be forced to seek additional ways to make money. He also argued that it might increase the cost of goods and services for citizens. Others argued that the contracting sector would be greatly affected by this decision if it becomes law. There were several members who said that the working day should be reduced to six hours.

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