Britain ends “successful” experiment with 4-day working week

A common sight in South Cambridgeshire

It seems that the experience of working 4 days a week did not sit well with the Home Affairs Minister in Britain, so despite its “success” he ordered it to stop.

This comes despite increased interest in Britain and the world in the practice of working 4 instead of 5 days a week, with some applauding the idea of ​​reducing working days while maintaining productivity.

And in the British newspaper “The Guardian” on Saturday, Minister Lee Rowley justified his decision with fears about taxpayers’ money.

Not only that, it also announced plans to extend the trial till next April.

However, these schemes will not be implemented if the new ministers decide.

“I urge you to stop this experiment immediately,” Leigh Rowley wrote to Council Speaker Anna Smith, noting she was concerned about the tax refund.

The minister justified his decision in a letter dated Friday, June 30, saying the system was not suitable for local authorities.

Experts: Working only 4 days a week has positive results

“I am sure you are aware that all local councils will ensure that limited tax payer funds are used in a way that demonstrates value for money, which is not demonstrated by paying staff without an extra day’s work,” the minister wrote.

“While some private sector companies opt for the four-day work system based on their own resources, this is something local governments should not follow,” he pointed out.

After receiving the letter from the minister in this regard, the chairman of the local council expressed his shock and requested to meet him.

South Cambridgeshire Council was the first council in England to decide to act in this way.

Smith said the experience had an “enormously” positive impact on many aspects of staff well-being and health, particularly in the first three months.

He also said that as per the evaluation conducted by the board, the experience of working 4 days in a week did not affect the performance of the employees.