The guidance appears to be the latest salvo in a war of words between the government and South Cambridgeshire district council, which is believed to be the only English authority so far to have experimented with a four-day week.
The council has said its continuing trial of the practice, in which office staff and bin collectors are paid the same for working 20% fewer hours, has already helped it improve recruitment and led to over £500,000 in savings on agency workers.
Supporters of the four-day week have called it a win-win for workers and employers because it improves staff wellbeing and productivity.
The guidance says: “Councils which are undertaking four-day working week activities should cease immediately and others should not seek to pursue in any format.
Cllr Pete Marland, chair of the Local Government Association’s resources board, said: “More than nine in 10 councils are experiencing staff recruitment and retention difficulties across a diverse range of skills, professions and occupations.
They should be free to pilot innovative solutions to address local challenges and deliver crucial services to their residents.
The original article contains 545 words, the summary contains 179 words. Saved 67%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!
This is the best summary I could come up with:
The guidance appears to be the latest salvo in a war of words between the government and South Cambridgeshire district council, which is believed to be the only English authority so far to have experimented with a four-day week.
The council has said its continuing trial of the practice, in which office staff and bin collectors are paid the same for working 20% fewer hours, has already helped it improve recruitment and led to over £500,000 in savings on agency workers.
Supporters of the four-day week have called it a win-win for workers and employers because it improves staff wellbeing and productivity.
The guidance says: “Councils which are undertaking four-day working week activities should cease immediately and others should not seek to pursue in any format.
Cllr Pete Marland, chair of the Local Government Association’s resources board, said: “More than nine in 10 councils are experiencing staff recruitment and retention difficulties across a diverse range of skills, professions and occupations.
They should be free to pilot innovative solutions to address local challenges and deliver crucial services to their residents.
The original article contains 545 words, the summary contains 179 words. Saved 67%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!