Issue details

Decision type: Non-key

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Notice of proposed decision first published: 19/04/2023

Decision due: 10 Oct 2022 by Executive Councillor for Transformation

Lead member: Executive Councillor for Transformation

Department: Human Resources

Contact: Deborah Simpson, Head of Human Resources Email: deborah.simpson@cambridge.gov.uk.

Additional Information: This item will automatically appear on the agenda for scrutiny.

Background Information: SCDC’s have proposed a four-day working week trial for 470 office-based staff over three months from January to March 2023. A second phase may involve considering how this approach could be applied to the Greater Cambridge Shared Waste Service. The initial trial is for working a four-day week for five days' pay (30 hours in four days for 37 hours pay). This is different to compressed hours where employees work the same number of hours over shorter days. There is a growing body of evidence that organisations offering a four-day week benefit from improved employee satisfaction, reduced staff sickness, cost savings, increased productivity and improved recruitment and retention. The approach is currently being tested by over 70 companies and organisation in the UK. SCDC would be the first public body in the UK to trial a 4-day working week. It has been piloted in different formats in the public sector in Iceland and Finland. There are plans to test it in Scotland, Spain and other counties.