Civil servants in the United Kingdom are threatening to strike unless the government agrees to a pay increase of 10 percent and makes progress toward implementing a four-day workweek with full pay. The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) is also seeking stronger protections for remote working, additional leave entitlements, and a formal right for employees to disconnect from work outside of office hours.

The PCS argues that civil servants have endured several years of declining living standards, and it contends that a shorter workweek would bring benefits to both employers and employees by improving work-life balance and productivity. However, opponents caution that such changes could result in reduced public services while increasing costs for taxpayers.

Mike Wood, a government minister, described the proposals as a waste of public funds. The TaxPayers’ Alliance criticized the plan as a “grift,” calling on government officials to reject it outright. Some ministers have previously opposed adopting four-day workweeks in local councils, with former Local Government Secretary Steve Reed characterizing such proposals as “full-time pay for part-time work.”

The Cabinet Office emphasized that ministers remain committed to recognizing the contributions of civil servants but also want to ensure that pay increases are financially sustainable.

The PCS has scheduled a strike ballot to open on October 20 and close on December 1. Any industrial action would require support from a majority of union members before it can proceed.