The government has issued a stark warning to local authorities across England, stating that moving staff to a four-day working week could be considered an indicator of a failing council.
Minister's Letter Sets Out Clear Stance
In a letter sent to all councils in England, Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, made the government's position explicitly clear. He advised that the practice of "council staff undertaking part-time work for full-time pay without compelling justification" would be viewed as a potential sign of failure.
This guidance forms part of the upcoming update to the Best Value guidance for local authorities, which was last issued in 2024 under the Conservative government and is now being revised by Labour.
South Cambridgeshire in the Spotlight
The warning comes after twenty-five councils reportedly discussed implementing a four-day week policy. One authority, South Cambridgeshire District Council, has already adopted the pattern, becoming a test case for the national debate.
Earlier this year, Reed wrote directly to the Liberal Democrat leader of South Cambridgeshire Council, Bridget Smith, arguing that the policy had led to a deterioration in services, specifically citing rent collection and repairs. Smith strongly contested this characterisation, describing her council as "exceptionally high performing" and expressing extreme disappointment at the minister's intervention.
The Broader Debate on Working Hours
Proponents of the shortened week, such as the 4 Day Week Foundation, argue that the traditional five-day model is outdated. They contend that a shift to a four-day, 32-hour week with no loss of pay can boost productivity, improve staff wellbeing, and better suit modern life.
Their argument is bolstered by data showing British workers put in some of the longest full-time hours in Europe, yet the UK economy struggles with productivity compared to its neighbours.
While councils are technically free to set their own employment policies, the government retains significant powers to intervene if an authority is deemed to be failing in its duties, adding weight to the ministerial warning.
