It seems like the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union has once again shown just how out of touch it is with the real world. The union, notorious for its support of hard-left causes and previously backing Jeremy Corbyn, has now set its sights on another questionable campaign: pushing for a four-day working week with no pay cut.
Over at the Ministry of Housing, stickers promoting the campaign have even popped up, prompting a few raised eyebrows and, naturally, a good deal of skepticism.
Surely, this must be a joke? But no, it's very real. According to their latest petition, the union claims the five-day working week is "outdated", having been introduced over a century ago, and they argue it’s no longer suited to the demands of the modern world. Their suggestion? Slash working hours while keeping wages exactly the same. According to these government skivers technology has changed the way we all work, so it’s only fair that our working hours change too.
The PCS goes on to claim that an extra day off would mean more time for parents or carers to reduce their expenses, less 'burnout' for workers, and ultimately, a better quality of life.
It all sounds very utopian, but in practice, this is yet another example of the public sector demanding more from taxpayers while offering less in return. While families across the country are tightening their belts and working harder to make ends meet, civil servants seem to think they should have Fridays off – on full pay! All this while working in a sector already known for generous pensions, cushy conditions, and a job security that private sector workers can only dream of. The public sector employs millions of Excel jockeys' who already skive wherever possible. Working from home; numerous sick days, and now a planned 4 day week will mean even less value for money for taxpayers.
It is estimated that 80% of 'work' performed by public sector workers has absolutely no effect on outcomes. All the zoom calls, meetings, emails and spreadsheets are actually pointless.
The idea of “a better quality of life” and “less burnout” is a designed to play on emotions based entirely on a false premise that these spreadsheet jockey's are actually overworked, or, indeed, that their work is important when we know it's not. but what about the people who actually fund these civil service jobs? Surveys may show support among public sector workers for this cushy deal, but will the public agree to footing the bill?
It remains to be seen whether Housing Minister Rachel Rayner will stand firm against this latest push for fewer hours and more pay, or whether she’ll cave to demands from her own staff. In the meantime, for most of us in the private sector, the thought of spending Fridays “running errands” on full pay is just a fantasy.
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