The government has issued a stark warning to local authorities in 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
Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for Local Government, has written to every council in the country to clarify the government's position. In the letter, seen by the Daily Telegraph, he expressed serious concerns about the model, describing arrangements where staff undertake "part-time work for full-time pay" without strong justification.
Reed emphasised that the existing guidance on this issue remains active. He stated that such working patterns would be viewed as a potential indicator of failure, among a range of other factors. "I hope that makes my position on this matter and the government’s policy unambiguously clear to all councils," he wrote, adding that further detail would be provided in updated best value guidance.
South Cambridgeshire Council in the Spotlight
The warning comes as twenty-five councils across England have reportedly discussed implementing a four-day week policy. One authority, South Cambridgeshire District Council, has already adopted the pattern for its staff.
Earlier this year, Reed wrote directly to the Liberal Democrat leader of South Cambridgeshire Council, Bridget Smith. He warned that the policy had negatively impacted the council's performance, citing a deterioration in areas such as rent collection and the speed of repairs.
Smith responded with disappointment, defending her council as "exceptionally high performing." This exchange highlights the ongoing tension between local autonomy and central government oversight, as ministers retain the power to intervene in councils deemed to be failing.
The Broader Debate on Working Hours
The government's firm stance contrasts sharply with the arguments put forward by proponents of the shorter working week. Organisations like the 4 Day Week Foundation argue that the traditional five-day model is outdated.
Advocates point out that British workers log some of the longest full-time hours in Europe, yet the UK's productivity lags behind. They contend that a four-day, 32-hour week with no loss of pay can boost performance, improve staff wellbeing, and even lower operational costs.
The Labour government is now in the process of updating the official best value guidance for local authorities, which was last issued by the Conservatives in 2024. This new guidance is expected to provide the definitive framework for how councils should approach modern working practices and efficiency.
