Private radio operator, UKRD Group, has announced that it is to end, from October 1st, the requirement placed on some presenters and journalists to work six days a week.

The practice, carried out in many groups and stations across the country, dates back decades and though not all stations in the UK employ their staff on that basis, much of the sector still does and UKRD has determined that it will end at all of its stations.

Group Chief Executive, William Rogers, has confirmed that all presenters and journalists will now only be contractually required to work the normal five day week and that the company is “determined to afford presenters and journalists the same consideration and working terms and conditions as others who work in the radio industry.”

“This is an antiquated and wholly inappropriate requirement and at UKRD we are determined to give all presenters and journalists a better work life balance,” he said.

In acknowledging that there was a cost to making this change, Rogers confirmed that it was a cost worth picking up. “These people work incredibly hard and in these days of multi-tasking, do so much more than their specifically allocated role. I think that presenters and journalists have been receiving the rough end of the radio stick for years and its time this unfair practice stopped,” he said.

“No presenter or journalist employed by UKRD will be required to work more than five days per week as a matter of contract.”

Rogers confirmed that UKRD Group, accredited with first place on the Sunday Times Best 100 Companies to Work For listings in 2011, would continue to review all policies relating to staff matters and steadily improve the recognition and rewards afforded to them over the coming years. Presently, UKRD presenters and journalists also receive five weeks paid holiday, something many in the sector are not afforded as they are hired on annual contracts.

“I am determined that UKRD will become the best place to work in commercial radio and this is just another part of that ongoing process.”