Councillors are to discuss a four-day working week for full pay amid claims it delivers "significant benefits" to wellbeing and efficiency.

The motion for Coventry City Council has been moved by councillor Grace Lewis and follows a government minister's warning to avoid the practice.

Local Government Secretary Steve Reed wrote to council leaders across England last week to say authorities should not be offering "full-time pay for part-time work".

The motion, seconded by councillor Esther Reeves, will be discussed in a full council meeting on 13 January.

Lewis, who resigned from the Labour party in August and now represents the Green and Independent Alliance Group, wrote in her motion, external that Reed's recent letter was "concerning".

She said: "Such a position may limit Coventry's ability to attract and retain skilled staff, reduce agency spend, and position it as a forward thinking employer, thereby impacting the council's reputation."

She suggested "growing evidence" from organisations that had adopted a four-day pattern revealed improved staff wellbeing and health, better recruitment and retention of staff and positive impacts on productivity.

Citing South Cambridgeshire District Council, which was the first authority to move to a four-day week in July, Lewis claimed applications for vacancies rose by 120% and saved £370,000.

She also pointed out Coventry had employed the use of a four-day week in waste services.

Lewis is calling on the council to explore the idea by identifying departments which would most benefit and engaging with staff, before planning a pilot.

The motion will be debated during the meeting, which begins at 14:00 GMT.