In a controversial move that has ignited national debate, South Cambridgeshire Council has decided to make its four-day working week permanent, despite fierce opposition and concerns about declining productivity.
The Bold Experiment That Divided a County
The council's trial, which began as a temporary measure, has now become a permanent fixture despite evidence suggesting it might be costing taxpayers more while delivering less. Critics argue the policy represents a fundamental shift in work ethics that could damage public services.
Council leaders defend the decision, claiming it helps with staff recruitment and retention in a competitive job market. They point to surveys showing improved employee wellbeing and insist that compressed hours don't necessarily mean reduced output.
Mounting Evidence of Problems
However, troubling signs emerged during the trial period. A damning report revealed that in some departments, productivity actually fell despite the council's claims to the contrary. Planning applications faced significant delays, and resident complaints about slow service increased substantially.
- Response times to resident enquiries lengthened by 35%
- Planning application processing times increased by 42%
- Staff absenteeism rose during the trial period
Taxpayers Footing the Bill
Local residents and business owners express frustration that they're paying the same council tax for reduced service hours. Many report difficulty reaching council staff on Fridays, when offices operate with skeleton crews.
Small business owners particularly feel the impact, needing timely responses from planning and licensing departments to keep their operations running smoothly. The compressed week has created bottlenecks that affect local economic activity.
National Implications
The South Cambridgeshire experiment is being closely watched by other local authorities considering similar moves. The government has expressed concerns that this trend could spread, potentially undermining public service delivery across the country.
As the debate intensifies, questions remain about whether the four-day week represents progressive employment practice or an unacceptable reduction in public service commitment. The answer may determine whether other councils follow South Cambridgeshire's lead or reject what critics call a "workshy culture."
