The UK government has criticized local councils for adopting a four-day working week, stating that it does not provide value for taxpayers and should "cease immediately."
South Cambridgeshire District Council had implemented a three-month trial of the four-day workweek for desk-based staff and later extended it to include waste crews. The council reported positive outcomes, including reduced sickness rates, lower staff turnover, and improved recruitment.
However, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities disagrees with the approach and has warned councils not to adopt the four-day week.
Council leaders have expressed frustration with the government's stance, emphasizing the benefits they have observed. The issue remains a point of contention between local authorities and the central government.