England's Local Government Secretary Warns Against Four-Day Work Weeks in Councils
Steve Reed, England's Local Government Secretary, has sent a letter to all English council leaders warning against the adoption of four-day working weeks and the payment of full-time wages for part-time hours without clear justification. Reed's letter, reported by The Telegraph, suggested that offering full-time pay for part-time work could indicate potential failures within councils.
Reed emphasized the government's commitment to maintaining a five-day service standard and aims to make its policy on this matter clear to all councils. A Labour source echoed this sentiment, stating that voters expect local councils to deliver high standards and full five-day services.
The Secretary reiterated that local authorities should avoid offering full-time pay for reduced hours and highlighted that the government retains the power to intervene in councils that fail to provide adequate services.
Reed previously expressed deep disappointment at the South Cambridgeshire District Council's decision to transition to a permanent four-day week in July 2023, following a trial led by the Liberal Democrats. He noted a subsequent decline in the council's housing service performance and questioned how such issues would be addressed.
While England resists the four-day workweek in local government, the Scottish public sector piloted this model in 2023, reporting productivity gains and improved staff wellbeing; the Autonomy Institute found that 98% of staff experienced enhanced morale and motivation. Despite these developments, Keir Starmer rejected demands from civil servants for a four-day working week last year.
