Gloucestershire County Council’s proposal to extend stricter controls over part-time employees’ second jobs has met strong opposition, with critics labeling it as “authoritarian red tape.”
Currently, full-time council workers must obtain written permission from their directors before taking on any additional work. However, new suggested changes would require part-time staff to seek the same approval, potentially restricting their ability to hold other jobs – including casual roles like working at the local pub.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Jeremy Hilton was among those to express disapproval during the constitution committee meeting on June 15. He argued that if someone works 16 hours a week for the council and wants a separate 16-hour job that doesn’t clash, it would be unfair to block that opportunity simply due to council bureaucracy.
READ MORE: Gloucestershire MP Urges Review of Knife Law Exemptions Amid Rising Knife Crime Concerns
READ MORE: A40 Closed for 11 Hours Following Seven-Vehicle Collision
Council officials defended the policy by highlighting the need to protect the authority legally and to maintain oversight of conflicts of interest. Eleanor Hutchinson, head of human resources, emphasized that the approach offers much-needed assurance, though she acknowledged the importance of balanced and proportionate application.
Concerns were raised that the proposal might overreach by encompassing employees with small side businesses or hobbies, such as selling items online, questioning the practicality of requiring formal approval in such cases.
Reform UK Councillor Michael Rees condemned the requirement for part-time workers to seek permission, calling the measure controlling and burdensome, especially for those juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet. Conservative leader Stephen Davies shared skepticism about the legality and practical enforcement of the proposed rules, suggesting the focus should remain on employees’ capability to perform their council work effectively.
The debate culminated with calls to postpone the decision until a more detailed justification is provided. Critics warned that such sweeping regulations unnecessarily complicate workers’ lives and infringe on personal freedom. As Cllr Rees stated, the right to manage one’s own time and earnings is a fundamental liberty, and council employees pursuing entrepreneurial or additional work should not be subjected to excessive oversight.