Call for council staff to have a four-day week

INTRODUCING a four-day working week for Plymouth City Council staff to address problems of long term sickness and help the authority's ambitions to get more people back to work, has been mooted by one councillor.

- By ALISON STEPHENSON

Plymouth City Council's HQ at Ballard House

Plympton Chaddlewood Green councillor Lauren McLay said it was a way in which the council could lead by example in “inclusive working practices”.

Speaking at the council's natural infrastructure and growth scrutiny panel last week, the councillor said a four-day working week had been shown to have really positive benefits to gender equality, mental and physical health and no negative impact in terms of productivity.

Members were discussing the wider context of inclusive growth and how everyone can contribute to, and benefit from, the economy.

Plymouth City Council wants to tackle inequalities and support those who face barriers to employment such as health challenges, caring responsibilities and living in areas of deprivation.