Shirking civil servants demand four-day work week on full pay

Civil servants at the Department for Environment are facing criticism after demanding a four-day work week on full pay. Union bosses made the request on behalf of members who are seeking a better work-life balance and believe that the move could increase productivity. However, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has rejected the demand, stating that the government is focused on maximizing productivity throughout the entire working week.

Union bosses call for change

Mark Serwotka, General Secretary of the Public and Commercial Services Union, has urged the Department for Environment to implement a pilot program for a four-day work week. Serwotka believes that this change is necessary to address employee burnout, stress, and poor wellbeing. The union's demand is based on the belief that a better work-life balance can lead to improved productivity.

Government rejects the request

Last night, PM Rishi Sunak's spokesperson firmly rejected the civil servants' demand for a four-day work week on full pay. Downing Street emphasized the government's commitment to making the most productive use of time throughout the entire working week. The rejection comes as a blow to the union and its members who had hoped for a change in their working hours.

Criticism from taxpayers

Conor Holohan, spokesperson for the TaxPayers' Alliance, strongly criticized the civil servants' demand. Holohan argued that taxpayers are tired of seeing bureaucrats prioritize their own interests over those of the country. He highlighted the generous pay, perks, and pensions that civil servants receive, contrasting it with the demands for part-time work with full-time pay.

It remains to be seen whether the Department for Environment will reconsider the demand for a four-day work week on full pay, or if civil servants will continue to face resistance from the government.