The four-day week is used in only one English community – but now the British government has ordered the end of the experiment. He was concerned that South Cambridgeshire District Council’s value for money was putting taxpayers at a disadvantage, the PA news agency quoted as saying in a letter from Secretary of State Lee Rowley to community leader Bridget Smith.
The conservative politician stressed that the model, which several companies in the country have introduced, is inappropriate for the public sector. The Council, in which the opposition Liberal Democrats are in charge, recently extended the project until April 2024. In Germany, too, there are a few municipalities that are testing the four-day week.
Council boss Smith recently told the BBC that the model would be a relief for the community. Blatant staff shortages that have existed for years should have been filled with temporary workers. Now the municipal council offers better work and even has lower costs.
Joe Ryle, of the 4 Day Week Campaign, told PA: “This move by the Government goes against all evidence showing that the four day week in Council was a huge success.”
There is no reason to end the project, which has only benefited community workers and residents and saved the council money. “The four-day work week with no pay cut is already being implemented in the private sector, so it’s only fair that the public sector is included,” Ryle said.
