Councils told to stop four-day working week trials

This news comes according to new Government guidance to ensure taxpayers’ money is well spent.

The new guidance follows Minister for Local Government Lee Rowley sent letters to South Cambridgeshire District Council.

He called on the local authority to cease its trial over value for money concerns.

On the Government website, it says: "The guidance sets out the government’s position that removing 20% of a local authority’s potential capacity does not offer value for money for residents."

The Government has said the four-day working week trial at councils does not offer value for money (Image: Canva)

Government 'does not support' four-day working week

Speaking on the new prerogative Mr Rowley said: "The Government is being crystal clear that it does not support the adoption of the four-day working week within the local government sector. 

“Local authorities that are considering adopting it should not do so. Those who have adopted it already should end those practices immediately."

He went on that councils who "continue to disregard this guidance are now on notice".

The official guidance states: "Councils which are undertaking four-day working week activities should cease immediately and others should not seek to pursue in any format.

Lee Rowley has warned councils to stop their trials with the four-day working week (Image: Chris McAndrew/UK Parliament/PA)

"Value for local taxpayers is paramount and no further focus should be given by local authorities on this matter.

"The department is also exploring other measures to ensure that the sector is clear that this working practice should not be pursued.”

The Government website adds: "The Government continues to support an individual’s right to request flexible working, which allows individual employees to apply for changes to the hours, timing, or location of work, which is clearly different to a blanket four-day working week on a full salary, across the whole organisation."