National Trust Job Cuts Linked to Budget Pressures

The National Trust plans to cut at least 550 jobs, about 6% of its workforce, in response to financial pressures arising from Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s latest Budget, which increased national insurance contributions and the national minimum wage. The charity, which manages over 500 historic sites and extensive natural environments across the UK, aims to save £26 million as rising costs have outpaced growth in visitors and donations. The cuts will mainly impact frontline roles such as cafe, shop staff, and conservation assistants. The Trust has started a 45-day consultation with staff and is working with the Prospect union to minimize compulsory redundancies. Leadership emphasized the need to safeguard core conservation activities, though there are concerns about the potential impact on service and preservation standards. This move follows a recruitment freeze and comes amid broader criticism from businesses regarding recent tax increases.