The UK government has warned local councils against adopting a four-day working week for staff. Councils that implement the policy could be declared failing authorities.
Local Government Secretary Steve Reed has written to all councils, stating that offering full-time pay for part-time work without compelling justification would mark them as potentially failing. Reed's letter, seen by the Telegraph, makes the government's position "unambiguously clear" and raises the prospect that defying councils could be placed under special measures.
The intervention comes after South Cambridgeshire District Council became the first council to permanently adopt the policy in July, following a trial since 2023.
Government Powers and Warnings
Reed's letter explicitly states that "council staff undertaking part-time work for full-time pay without compelling justification" would be considered among factors indicating potential failure. While central government has limited direct powers to compel councils to abandon the approach, the Secretary of State can send in commissioners to assume some functions, though this is intended for very exceptional circumstances and as a last resort.
This warning gains significance as 25 English councils currently weigh up the move to a four-day week. Ministers fear the policy hits productivity and adds pressure on public finances.
Council Response
Bridget Smith, Liberal Democrat leader of South Cambridgeshire district council, expressed extreme disappointment with Reed's letter, asserting that her authority is "exceptionally high performing." The council estimates annual savings of about £400,000 from the policy due to lower staff turnover and less reliance on agency workers. The four-day week benefits desk staff, bin men, and cleaners.
However, Reed had previously condemned a decline in performance within South Cambridgeshire's housing service, with reports of deterioration in rent collection and repairs.
Political and Financial Context
A Labour source stated: "Voters deserve high standards and hard work from local councils, and seeing council staff working a four-day week just won't cut it. They should get on with the job and make sure residents get the best service possible five days a week."
This move sparks controversy as almost all authorities will increase council tax up to the five per cent cap for the next three years, with residents facing higher charges.
Keir Starmer has already rejected civil servants' calls for a four-day working week.
Proponents of the four-day week, including the 4 Day Week Foundation, argue that a 32-hour working week with no loss of pay could enhance performance and reduce costs. A 2022 trial involving 70 companies saw 92 per cent of participants continue with the model.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
