Four-day week gets closer for Defra staff
PCS members agree to provide evidence that the scheme benefits employer and employees
Civil servants employed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have taken a step closer to working a four-day week.
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union has agreed to provide evidence of the benefits – including value for money for taxpayers – of a four-day week as part of ongoing discussions about the feasibility of such a scheme.
PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “The rewards of a four-day week are clear to see which is why 92% of employers who have trialled* the scheme have gone on to adopt it.
“The trials show a happier, healthier and more productive workforce – things that benefit the employer, the employee and the taxpayer.
“Our agreement with Defra is a significant step forward in achieving a shortening of the working week with no loss of pay for our members.”
ends
* The trial results are here: https://www.4dayweek.co.uk/pilot-programme