More than 100 business and charity leaders have urged the UK government to take a leading role in transitioning toward a shorter working week. This call comes as Steve Reed, a Labour Party cabinet minister, raised concerns about the effectiveness of four-day working week trials in England’s public sector.
Reed’s apprehensions were highlighted in a leaked letter to South Cambridgeshire District Council, the first council in England to trial a four-day workweek. The letter referenced an independent report claiming a decline in performance across key housing services, including rent collection, reletting times, and tenant satisfaction with repairs.
In response, over 100 leaders from various sectors signed an open letter addressed to the business secretary, coordinated by the 4 Day Week Foundation. They advocated for the establishment of a working time council to support and guide the shift towards a shorter working week.
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“As business leaders, trade union leaders, and advocates who have experienced successful transitions to a four-day workweek—with no loss of pay—we can confidently say it is not just a future concept, but a current reality delivering positive results,” the letter stated. “Across different industries and company sizes, shorter working weeks have proven not only viable but transformative.”
Bridget Smith, leader of South Cambridgeshire Council, responded to Reed’s criticisms, expressing her disappointment. She highlighted the council’s financial analysis, which shows a net saving of £399,000 annually, largely due to reduced reliance on agency staff.
Joe Ryle, campaign director of the 4 Day Week Foundation, described Reed’s comments as “frankly ridiculous,” arguing that they reflect an outdated government mindset. Ryle emphasized the proven benefits of four-day and flexible workweeks for workers and businesses alike, noting that the council’s overall performance surpasses that of many others.
“While four-day weeks have been widely embraced in the private sector, entering the public sector remains contentious,” he added, pointing out the resistance despite strong evidence of success.