UK Councils Embrace Four-Day Work Week Amid Growing Support
Published 25 July 2025
Highlights
- South Cambridgeshire District Council is the first UK local authority to permanently adopt a four-day work week.
- Cambridge City Council has also approved the four-day week for shared services with South Cambridgeshire.
- Independent analysis showed improved or maintained services, with a 120% increase in job applications.
- Campaigners are targeting 24 more councils to adopt the four-day work week, citing positive outcomes.
- The four-day week trend is gaining momentum, with over 200 private firms already adopting the model.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: UK Councils Embrace Four-Day Work Week Amid Growing Support
In a significant shift towards modern working practices, South Cambridgeshire District Council has become the first local authority in the UK to permanently implement a four-day work week. This decision, which allows staff to work 80% of their hours for full pay, follows a successful trial that began in January 2023. The Liberal Democrat-led council reported that the trial resulted in improved service delivery and a substantial increase in job applications.
Expansion to Cambridge City Council
The initiative has now extended to include shared services with the Labour-run Cambridge City Council. At a recent council meeting, Cambridge City Council voted to adopt the four-day work week for its shared workers, with council leader Cameron Holloway praising the innovative approach to addressing recruitment challenges. During the trial, more than 99% of household bins were collected on time, and the percentage of planning applications processed on time rose from 75% to 95%.
Broader Campaign and Private Sector Adoption
The move by South Cambridgeshire has inspired campaigners to target at least 24 more councils across the UK, aiming to spark a wave of similar announcements. Joe Ryle, campaign director of the 4 Day Week Foundation, highlighted the success of the trial as a catalyst for broader adoption. The trend is not limited to the public sector; over 200 private companies have already embraced the four-day week, reporting benefits for both businesses and employees.
Positive Outcomes and Future Prospects
Independent analysis from the universities of Salford, Bradford, and Cambridge found that 21 out of 24 services improved or remained stable during the trial. The council also noted a 40% reduction in staff turnover and nearly £400,000 saved on agency staffing costs. These results underscore the potential for the four-day work week to enhance work-life balance and employee productivity.
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Scenario Analysis
The successful implementation of the four-day work week in South Cambridgeshire and Cambridge City could serve as a model for other councils considering similar changes. If more local authorities follow suit, it could lead to a broader transformation in working practices across the UK. Experts suggest that such a shift could improve employee well-being and productivity, while also addressing recruitment and retention challenges in the public sector. However, the move may face opposition from those concerned about potential disruptions to service delivery. As the campaign gains momentum, the coming months will be crucial in determining the future of this modern working model.
In a significant shift towards modern working practices, South Cambridgeshire District Council has become the first local authority in the UK to permanently implement a four-day work week. This decision, which allows staff to work 80% of their hours for full pay, follows a successful trial that began in January 2023. The Liberal Democrat-led council reported that the trial resulted in improved service delivery and a substantial increase in job applications.
Expansion to Cambridge City Council
The initiative has now extended to include shared services with the Labour-run Cambridge City Council. At a recent council meeting, Cambridge City Council voted to adopt the four-day work week for its shared workers, with council leader Cameron Holloway praising the innovative approach to addressing recruitment challenges. During the trial, more than 99% of household bins were collected on time, and the percentage of planning applications processed on time rose from 75% to 95%.
Broader Campaign and Private Sector Adoption
The move by South Cambridgeshire has inspired campaigners to target at least 24 more councils across the UK, aiming to spark a wave of similar announcements. Joe Ryle, campaign director of the 4 Day Week Foundation, highlighted the success of the trial as a catalyst for broader adoption. The trend is not limited to the public sector; over 200 private companies have already embraced the four-day week, reporting benefits for both businesses and employees.
Positive Outcomes and Future Prospects
Independent analysis from the universities of Salford, Bradford, and Cambridge found that 21 out of 24 services improved or remained stable during the trial. The council also noted a 40% reduction in staff turnover and nearly £400,000 saved on agency staffing costs. These results underscore the potential for the four-day work week to enhance work-life balance and employee productivity.
What this might mean
The successful implementation of the four-day work week in South Cambridgeshire and Cambridge City could serve as a model for other councils considering similar changes. If more local authorities follow suit, it could lead to a broader transformation in working practices across the UK. Experts suggest that such a shift could improve employee well-being and productivity, while also addressing recruitment and retention challenges in the public sector. However, the move may face opposition from those concerned about potential disruptions to service delivery. As the campaign gains momentum, the coming months will be crucial in determining the future of this modern working model.
