South Cambridgeshire Council shouldn't be trialling four day week according to pressure group
The TaxPayers' Alliance say local people shouldn't have to foot the bill
Last updated 11th May 2023
South Cambridgeshire District Council should not be trialling a four day week at the tax payers expense according to a national pressure group.
The TaxPayers' Alliance (TPA) visited the Council after concerns the four day week was causing a drop in the group's productivity.
Joe Ventre, digital campaign manager at the TPA, said they wanted to see "verifiable proof" that the council's performance was improved or maintained.
He added: "We are not necessarily against four day week practice across the board, but councils should not be the place for a trial like this to take place, it is wrong for tax payers to stump up the bill."
The Council refuted the claims that the trial will cost taxpayers’ money, claiming it could save money.
Why introduce a four day week?
The District Council launched its four day week trial for desk based staff in January, to see if it would help encourage existing staff members to stay.
It's also hoped it would help recruit new staff after being unable to employ full time staff.
Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, Cllr Bridget Smith, said: "We employed 23 agency staff in August – at a cost of more than £2 million a year.
"Filling these posts with permanent staff would halve that cost."
She added the trial has seen an increase in people applying for jobs at the Council, and "fewer people saying they’re intending to leave."
They admit the trial for waste collection staff would see some costs due to the need for additional collection trucks.
What's next?
The cabinet is due to meet next Monday (May 15) to decide on whether to extend the trial into next year, and to also launch a trial for the waste collection staff.