Ann McGauran 02 October 2023

Gove pledges to halt council four-day weeks

Gove pledges to halt council four-day weeks image
Image: Peter Rhys Williams / Shutterstock.com.

Michael Gove has pledged to stop local authorities from implementing a four-day week and said councils could face budget cuts if they adopt one.

During the interview with The Sun ahead of the Conservative annual conference, the levelling up secretary said he wanted to change the law to stop ‘quiet quitting’ and ‘slacking’ at councils.

Mr Gove said: ‘People who pay council tax work five days a week or longer. They deserve 100% of the service, not 80%. The idea that everyone should be slacking in this way at the expense of hard-working taxpayers is completely wrong.’

His comments came after Norwich City Council said it could follow the example of South Cambridgeshire DC by bringing in a four-day working week without cutting staff pay.

To continue reading visit The MJ (£).

If this article was of interest, then check out our feature, 'Why the four-day week could solve the workforce crisis.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

School Crossing Patrol Officer

Essex County Council
Up to £13.4600 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer Chelmsford, Essex Part-Time, Temporary 7.5 hours per week, term-time only Up to 6 Months £13.46 PAYE / £17.24 Umbrella England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Deputy Team Manager - Older Adults Mental Health

Essex County Council
£48205 - £57988 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
Interviews will be held in person at Rowan House, Colchester on 6th May 2026.The TeamWe are a committed team working with adults aged 65 years plus a England, Essex, Colchester
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Executive Director Place, Economy and Environment

West Northamptonshire Council
£151,368 – £161,559 (pay award pending)
West Northamptonshire is an ambitious, fast‑growing place with a bold vision for inclusive and sustainable growth. Northampton, Northamptonshire
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Assistant Director Adult Social Care Operations

Buckinghamshire Council
Circa £92,000
Are you a credible, values-driven leader with the operational grip to deliver change? Buckinghamshire
Recuriter: Buckinghamshire Council

Chief Executive

Thurrock Council
c. £200,000
Lead the change, shape the future. West Thurrock, Grays
Recuriter: Thurrock Council
Linkedin Banner