inisters have ordered an area council to finish its experiment with a four-day week.

South Cambridgeshire District Council had introduced plans to increase its trial till subsequent April however ministers have ordered officers to finish it now.

It was first native authority within the UK to undertake such a trial.

Local authorities minister Lee Rowley wrote to Liberal Democrat council chief Bridget Smith to “ask that you end your experiment immediately” and say he had issues concerning the “value for money” for native taxpayers.

All councils are anticipated to make sure that finite and useful taxpayers’ cash is utilized in a means which demonstrates worth for cash – one thing which paying workers for an additional day of labor that's not carried out is unlikely to show

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There has been rising curiosity in four-day week experiments within the UK and globally, with some companies praising the shift to a shorter working week.

But Mr Rowley, in a letter dated June 30, mentioned such a mannequin is inappropriate for native authorities.

“As I am sure you are aware, all councils are expected to ensure that finite and valuable taxpayers’ money is used in a way which demonstrates value for money – something which paying employees for an extra day of work that is not carried out is unlikely to demonstrate,” he wrote.

“I strongly believe in the ability of councils to innovate and find new ways to discharge their responsibilities – yet removing up to 20% of the capacity to do those activities is not something which should be acceptable for a council seeking to demonstrate value for money for its taxpayers and residents.

“Whilst some private sector organisations may choose to experiment with their own capital and capacity regarding ‘four-day working weeks’, local government should not do the same.”

He mentioned such an strategy might breach the council’s authorized duties beneath the Local Government Act.

This transfer by the Government flies within the face of all of the proof which reveals the four-day week has been an enormous success on the council

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities will “shortly be issuing clear guidance” on the matter, Mr Rowley added.

“I look forward to your confirmation that South Cambridgeshire will be returning to established norms around local government workforce capacity in the coming weeks ahead,” he mentioned.

Joe Ryle, director of the 4-Day Week marketing campaign group, mentioned: “This move by the Government flies in the face of all the evidence, which shows the four-day week has been a huge success at the council.

“The four-day week with no loss of pay is already being being rolled out across the private sector so it’s only fair the public sector are included too.

“There is no good reason to end this trial, which is already bringing many benefits to council workers, local residents and saving the council money.”

On common we solely fill about 80% and we now have some vacancies that we now have been carrying for years, significantly in planning. We needed to do one thing

South Cambridgeshire District Council has been contacted for remark.

Ms Smith not too long ago instructed the BBC the transfer got here after years of counting on company workers to fill the gaps left by vacancies.

“On average we only fill about 80% and we have some vacancies that we have been carrying for years, particularly in planning,” she instructed the broadcaster.

“We had to do something. We have already managed to deliver a third of a million pounds in savings, largely because we’ve now filled some of those really difficult to fill roles within planning.

“It means we’re delivering a much better planning service to our residents.”