Title

HR

Job applications rise amid four-day working week trial

The number of applications for jobs rose by more than 120% since South Cambridgeshire DC started a four-day week trial, a report has found.

 © PHOTOBUAY / shutterstock 

© PHOTOBUAY / shutterstock 

The number of applications for jobs rose by more than 120% since South Cambridgeshire DC started a four-day week trial, a report has found.

Carried out by the universities of Salford, Bradford and Cambridge, the analysis revealed that the number of workers leaving fell by more than 40% and the quality of 21 out of 24 services improved or stayed the same.

The council said it no longer had to rely on agency workers, which has resulted in a yearly saving of nearly £400,000.

Council leader Bridget Smith said: ‘We started this innovative trial due to significant recruitment and retention challenges. These were particularly acute for us, having to compete with higher private sector pay in an area of high employment and housing costs.'

 

HR

Recruiting for complexity

By Rebecca Davis | 23 July 2025

Rebecca Davis discusses why we need to hire minds, not just hands, and looks at some examples of how this strategy has been approached within the West Midlands.

HR

Council first to adopt four-day week after savings

By Dan Peters | 17 July 2025

South Cambridgeshire DC has decided to permanently adopt a four-day week after a 27-month trial involving 700 staff.

HR

Searching for a solution

By Sir Bob Neill | 16 July 2025

As the Government embarks on SEND reform, Sir Bob Neill asks whether ministers have chosen the right path.

HR

Hitting the strike button

By David Blackman | 16 July 2025

The three main local government unions have all rejected the employers’ pay offer. How strong is the possibility of widespread strike action against a backdr...

Popular articles by William Eichler