Central government’s attempt to restrict councils’ ability to try out the practice is ‘a massive overreach’, say council leaders
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    1 year ago

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    The guidance appears to be the latest salvo in a war of words between the government and South Cambridgeshire district council, which is believed to be the only English authority so far to have experimented with a four-day week.

    The council has said its continuing trial of the practice, in which office staff and bin collectors are paid the same for working 20% fewer hours, has already helped it improve recruitment and led to over £500,000 in savings on agency workers.

    Supporters of the four-day week have called it a win-win for workers and employers because it improves staff wellbeing and productivity.

    The guidance says: “Councils which are undertaking four-day working week activities should cease immediately and others should not seek to pursue in any format.

    Cllr Pete Marland, chair of the Local Government Association’s resources board, said: “More than nine in 10 councils are experiencing staff recruitment and retention difficulties across a diverse range of skills, professions and occupations.

    They should be free to pilot innovative solutions to address local challenges and deliver crucial services to their residents.

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