Hundreds of workers will be allowed to finish at 12pm on Fridays as part of a summer scheme. Kellanova, which owns Kellogg’s and Pringles, has announced the scheme will run until September, with employees able to leave early provided they have completed a full week’s hours.

Kellanova, the parent company of Kellogg’s and Pringles, says employees can skip work once the clock hits 12noon on a Friday from now until September. The $20.6 billion food manufacturer said its research revealed that two-thirds of people would be willing to work harder during the rest of the week if their employer gave them Friday afternoons off.

Those who want to start their weekend early will have to make up for lost time during the week. Lejla Damon, Kellanova shopper marketing manager, said: “In my spare time, I’m training to become a yoga teacher and even run a monthly class for my colleagues in the office.

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“In the five years I’ve worked at Kellanova, the summer hours programme has allowed me the time to take on extra courses as I work towards my qualification." Lejla went on, sayingL "This summer I’m looking forward to teaching a few additional classes with my Friday afternoons.”

Chris Silcock, managing director of Kellanova, said in a statement after the new rules for its workforce was confirmed last week: “Our summer hours programme has been running for more than two decades now but it’s still such a great benefit for our teams.

"I know how hard everyone works throughout the week, so to be able to give people half a day for themselves really helps them to recharge and improves productivity.” It comes after UK companies that took part in the world’s biggest ever four-day working week trial.

The majority who took part have also made the policy permanent.