JOBS CULL
National Trust to axe 1,200 jobs after losing £200m through coronavirus crisis
THE National Trust will axe 1,200 jobs after losing £200m through the coronavirus crisis.
It proposed a brutal £100m spending cull to make up for the shortfall after a crunch meeting this afternoon which sealed the fate of hundreds of workers.
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Millions of pounds were already saved through furloughing staff, drawing on reserves, borrowing, and stopping or deferring projects.
Director General Hilary McGrady told staff: “It’s with huge regret that I am telling you today about the need to cut jobs.
"The Trust’s strength is its people. Our institution has survived so long – through two world wars and a number of economic downturns, thanks to staff, volunteers and supporters.
"We would not be making these savings had we not exhausted every other possibility. We need to act now to ensure we are sustainable in the future.”
She said despite savings already made, the short term hit and the longer term implications of social distancing meant tough choices had to be made.
The news was broken to staff at a crunch meeting at 2pm today as numerous properties closed early to accommodate the crunch talks.
Upton House and Gardens, Warwickshire, usually stays open until 5pm while the restaurant is open until 4.30pm but was among those closing early today.
A spokesperson told The Sun Online: "No one has had their tickets cancelled as no bookings were taken for that time slot.
"We are closing early due to a staff meeting, which will focus on the effects of the coronavirus on the charity."
'BIGGEST CRISIS'
The additional saving equates to nearly a fifth of its annual spend while the job losses will kick out 13 percent of the Trust's 9,500-strong workforce.
Its hourly paid staff budget will also be slashed by £8.8m.
Insisting the Trust will "grow back stronger," Ms McGrady added: ";We are going through one of the s in living memory.
"All aspects of our home, work and school lives, and our finances and communities have been affected, and like so many other organisations the National Trust has been hit very hard.
“The places and things the National Trust cares for are needed now more than ever, as the nation needs to recuperate and recover its spirit and wellbeing. Our focus will remain on the benefit we deliver to people, every day
“We have reviewed our spending and ways of working to ensure we emerge from this crisis in a strong position to keep on protecting and caring for places so people and nature can thrive.
“It is deeply upsetting to face losing colleagues and we are committed to supporting all of those affected.
"Sadly, we have no other course of action left open. 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 ensuring our conservation work continues long into the future.”
It came on the penultimate day of the trust's 45-day consultation to decide the fate of 211 jobs. which were included in the 1200 job losses announced today.
A new 45-day consultation was also launched for those affected by today's news.
CRUNCH TIME
Staff and friends of the National Trust took to Twitter to voice their support and sympathy for workers facing the chop ahead of the talks.
Alexandre Parré tweeted: "Wednesday 29th July 2020, the day all colleagues will hear about their uncertain future. No ones (sic) safe!
"All the best to all Friends and Colleagues made there over the last 5 years. Thanks to the for the expression of their invaluable support throughout!!"
James Brown said: "Well today is going to be a long one! Choices, choices & choices being made to try & balance heritage, finances & futures that will have wide reaching consequences.
"Thinking of all my colleagues, most of you who I have never met & trying to stay optimistic."
Cath Feely added: "Thinking of colleagues in the - and the whole National Trust - today. Particularly in last few years, it has been a pleasure to work with you and I hope you know how good you are.
"Your (sic) places have also been very good for soul in the last few months. Solidarity."
Earlier this month the National Trust began reopening its properties across the country as coronavirus restrictions were eased.
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Now more than 135 gardens and parks are open through advance booking as well as hundreds of coast and countryside beauty spots.
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Seven houses are open as part of a test pilot, fitted with one way systems and other social distancing measures.
They include Barrington Court in Somerset, Kingston Lacy in Dorset, and Petworth House in West Sussex.
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