Eighty Urdd jobs at risk due to pandemic
WELSH-LANGUAGE youth organisation Urdd Gobaith Cymru has announced 80 jobs are at risk as it faces a huge drop in income due to the effects of coronavirus.
The organisation is the latest in a long list to announce potential redundancies, due to the closure of all three of its residential centres and the suspension of sports and community activities around Wales.
The group’s chief executive said it faced “the most challenging period in its 98-year history” after the workforce of 320 was told 80 jobs were at risk and a further 70 casual workers would also be impacted in order to safeguard its long-term future.
The group was also forced to cancel the Urdd National Eisteddfod in Denbighshire, one of the largest youth festivals in Europe.
Most of the Urdd’s staff are already on the furlough scheme which sees the UK Government pay a percentage of people’s wages until it comes to an end in October.
Staffing costs are said to amount to £6m a year and, even after making cuts, the organisation still faces significant financial losses over the next two years.
The Urdd is best known for organising activites and opportunities for young people through the Welsh language and managing sites across Wales, including the much-loved Llangrannog centre in Ceredigion.
Sian Lewis, Urdd chief executive, said: “Today is a sad day for this unique organisation which is an integral part ofthe lives of so many people in Wales. The impact of the pandemic has been devastating for every department. There is no option but to review costs across the organisation and see how we can continue to offer some services within the safety guidelines, with the primary objective of safeguarding the future of the Urdd.”
She added: “The Urdd has always strived to generate its own income and not be too dependent on public funding. Last year, our turnover was over £10m with only 19% coming from the public purse. Now, with our centres closed to residential courses, and no income from our community and sports work, the situation has and will continue to put a huge financial strain on the Urdd.
“No organisation could survive such a situation without making cuts and unfortunately that is what the Urdd is facing.”
Dyfrig Davies, chairman of the Urdd, added: “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news about the Urdd’s situation. The future is uncertain, but we must plan to ensure the future and longevity of the Urdd and our membership.”