Much-loved national charity forced to make hard choices

FOR those who enjoy days out exploring our history, marvelling at architecture and revelling in the beauty of landscapes and precious places, the National Trust has long provided the answer.

Almost everyone will have visited a National Trust property at some point in their lives.

With over 248,000 hectares in its ownership, including parts of the Lake District and Peak District, and 500 historic houses, castles, archaeological and industrial monuments, gardens, parks and nature reserves, this 125-year-old institution has, in preserving our national heritage, provided fascinating excursions for all down the generations.

Sustaining interest year-round with its huge portfolio of attractions and events, the charity boasts millions of members and has grown to become the largest conservation body of its kind in Europe. And here in the South West we are spoilt for choice when it comes to National Trust places to visit.

So it is sad to learn that so many staff who keep the wheels of this mammoth organisation turning are losing their jobs.

Coronavirus restrictions cut deep into the trust’s sizeable budget and it warned in July that redundancies were inevitable.

The crisis affected every aspect of the charity’s work, shutting houses, gardens, car parks, shops and cafes, and forcing the cancellation of events.

In seeking to save £100 million in annual costs, it has taken the difficult decision to reduce staffing, with almost 1,300 jobs going, including 514 compulsory redundancies, following a process of consultation.

Shadow culture secretary Jo Stevens is right to describe it as “devastating news”. Not just for those who have lost their jobs.

National Trust properties contribute to the cultural, mental and physical health of the nation. The lockdown heightened a recognition of the importance of, not just nature but also precious spaces. When people were finally able to get out beyond the confines of home, ongoing social distancing and hygiene precautions made it all but impossible for many attractions to reopen, and they have been much missed.

The National Trust was placed in an impossible situation. Unable to generate sufficient income it has been forced to cut costs. Even the union Prospect concedes that “the current plan, while devastating for those who are losing jobs they love, is a reasonable way to move forward, minimising job losses while hopefully safeguarding the National Trust’s future”.

The Trust is also saving around £41million in annual costs from areas such as reducing travel and office costs and, like so many other organisations, focusing efforts on online communication.

Director general Hilary McGrady described it as a “painful time”, adding: “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.”

One can only hope, for all our sakes, that once restrictions ease in the future this much-loved institution can build back to where it once was.