England's Local Government Secretary Warns Councils on Four-Day Week as Potential Sign of Failure
Steve Reed, England's local government secretary, has issued a warning to all councils that adopting a four-day week for staff could be interpreted as a sign of potential failure. Currently, around 25 councils have considered the move, with South Cambridgeshire District Council already implementing the four-day work pattern.
Reed cautioned that staff working part-time hours while receiving full-time pay, without compelling justification, would serve as an indicator of possible council failure. Under government regulations, authorities deemed failing can be taken over by the government.
The existing best value guidance, last issued in 2024 under the Conservative administration, remains in force but is being updated by the Labour government, with new guidance to be released in due course.
Earlier, Reed voiced concerns about South Cambridgeshire District Council's four-day week, citing negative impacts such as declines in rent collection and repair services. However, the council leader defended the council's performance as consistently high.
Despite these warnings, supporters of the four-day week argue that the change can enhance staff performance and reduce operational costs.
