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Tories to ban councils from working a four-day week
The bill would bar councils and other services from paying full-time salaries for shorter weeks, as ministers say taxpayers should not fund reduced hours.
- The Conservative Party unveiled the "Ban Four Day Week and the Protection of Public Services Bill" in early April, proposing legislation to bar all public services, including councils, from offering shorter working weeks.
- Shadow Local Government Secretary Sir James Cleverly argued "taxpayers should not be paying full rates for part-time services," stating the party intends to "end the nonsense" of current arrangements.
- South Cambridgeshire District Council leader Bridget Smith reported £400,000 in savings and improved performance in 21 of 24 service areas since 2023, calling the proposal "political gymnastics."
- A Labour Party spokesperson condemned the move, noting the government already instructed councils against paying full salaries for four-day weeks, affecting around 1.4 million local authority employees.
- Local Government Secretary Steve Reed previously warned that four-day weeks could be "considered an indicator, among a wide range of factors, of potential failure," though he maintained councils are independent employers responsible for managing their workforces.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Tories to ban councils from working four-day weeks to 'ensure value for money for taxpayers'
The Conservatives have pledged to outlaw councils from offering staff four-day working weeks while maintaining full salaries, should they secure victory at the next general election.Shadow Communities Secretary Sir James Cleverly announced plans to bring forward legislation targeting all public services, including local authorities, that pay employees five days' wages for four days' work."Taxpayers should not be paying full rates for part-time s…
Tories ridiculed for proposing to ban four day week
The Tories have announced a significant policy proposal on local government today (8 April). They’re proposing to ban councils from introducing a four day working week for staff with no loss of pay. In a press release, the Conservative Party said: “The four-day working week, as introduced by Liberal Democrat-run South Cambridgeshire district council, has left residents with more council tax for less public service. Bin collectors and social hous…
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