CONCERNS over potential job losses at a National Trust site in Northumberland have been raised.
The concerns come following the announcement that the National Trust is reviewing how the Cherryburn site in Mickley can 'offer the most benefit to visitors'.
The charity stated in July that its work protecting nature was becoming 'increasingly tough' due to 'sustained cost pressures'.
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Pay is the biggest part of the National Trust's costs, and the recent employer’s National Insurance increase and National Living Wage rise added more than £10m to its annual wage bill.
In a statement published on July 10, the National Trust said: "We are proposing to reduce our pay bill and are beginning a 45-day consultation period with our staff in order to find savings of £26 million. The proposals would lead to an estimated 6 per cent reduction in jobs. We will, of course, work to minimise compulsory redundancies.
"We know how difficult this is for our people and are incredibly grateful for their skill and professionalism. We are working hard, with the union Prospect, to make the transition as painless as possible. This follows months of other cost-saving measures. We always want to avoid job losses."
Responding to concerns of job losses at Cherryburn, a National Trust spokesperson said: "We are currently undertaking a review of how the house and garden at Cherryburn can offer the most benefit to visitors and the local community.
"These are proposals only, and we’re consulting staff and volunteers to ensure they deliver the Trust’s new strategy; to increase people’s access to culture and inspire them to care for it, as well as create a sustainable future for the organisation in a tough financial environment.
"As we are in a period of consultation, it is too early to be precise about a possible impact on specific roles.
"We are reviewing all areas of our work across the organisation so we are properly resourced to deliver our new strategy and withstand the current economic pressures."
For more information, go to https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
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