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

Using system-wide reform to put Bucks families first

By Errol Albert | 13 November 2025

Buckinghamshire Council is delivering system-wide reform through locality teams, Family Hubs and a partnership-led Families First approach, as Errol Albert e...

HR

Nine local councils will support local authorities to improve outcomes for children

By Nimal Jude | 11 November 2025

Nimal Jude introduces a new national programme to strengthen evidence-informed decision-making across children's services.

HR

Lessons from private and public sector leadership crossover

By Jes Ladva | 04 November 2025

Ensuring a leadership flow between the private and public sectors is one way to maximise the value of talent. Odgers recently held a round table with The MJ ...

HR

Reed raises concerns over four-day week

By Izzy Lepone | 29 October 2025

Local government secretary Steve Reed has raised concerns about South Cambridgeshire DC’s four-day week.

Popular articles by William Eichler