A major British heritage organisation plans to cut 1200 jobs as it continues to battle against COVID 19.
Following 45 days of consultation, The National Trust has announced 514 compulsory job losses and has accepted 782 voluntary redundancies.
Original plans drafted in July saw the Trust propose 1200 compulsory redundancies in an attempt to save £60 million of its annual staff budget. However the detailed consultation process saw a number of changes made, including protecting curation specialists roles, increasing building maintenance staff and retaining education staff. The adjustments have secured 700 jobs that were originally at threat of redundancy.
The current redundancy process is the biggest to take place at The National Trust in its 125 year history. Trust officials warned it was inevitable as every aspect of the organisation felt the impact of the pandemic – through forced closures, significantly reduced visitor capacities and travel restrictions.
Saving for survival
In addition to staff redundancies, the Trust has announced it is halting or delaying £124 million worth of projects. As well as plans to save £41 million from its annual budget, by cutting down on marketing campaigns, reducing office costs and renegotiating contracts.
Following the sad announcement Helen McGrady, Director General of The National Trust said: “No leader wants to be forced into announcing any redundancies, but coronavirus means we simply have no other choice if we want to give the charity a sustainable future. We have exhausted every other avenue to find savings, but sadly we now have to come to terms with the fact that we will lose some colleagues. We will do all we can to support those who are leaving, and others affected by these significant changes.
“In making these changes now, I am confident we will be well-placed to face the challenges ahead, protecting the places that visitors love and nature needs, and ensuring our conservation work continues long into the future.”
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