Concern is growing that plans to restructure Bristol's Museums, Galleries and Archives will have a detrimental impact on the service it provides.
The Unison and Unite unions have argued that the changes could lead to the loss of a third of curatorial and conservation staff, as well as a reduction in opening hours. And in a letter in this month's Museums Journal (see link below), more than 30 former staff and supporters of Bristol's museums argue that "compromises should urgently be found before widescale damage is inflicted".
Bristol City Council said the review was needed because of the opening of the £25m Museum of Bristol in 2011. It is also concerned about cuts in Renaissance in the Regions funding.
Kate Brindley, director of Bristol's Museums, Galleries and Archives, said the proposals were being held up by the city council restructuring, which has moved museums from the culture and leisure directorate into city development.
"We are not in a position to go public and the union and the various people who have been wound up by them are jumping the gun and basing their fears on inaccurate information," she said.
The Unison and Unite unions have argued that the changes could lead to the loss of a third of curatorial and conservation staff, as well as a reduction in opening hours. And in a letter in this month's Museums Journal (see link below), more than 30 former staff and supporters of Bristol's museums argue that "compromises should urgently be found before widescale damage is inflicted".
Bristol City Council said the review was needed because of the opening of the £25m Museum of Bristol in 2011. It is also concerned about cuts in Renaissance in the Regions funding.
Kate Brindley, director of Bristol's Museums, Galleries and Archives, said the proposals were being held up by the city council restructuring, which has moved museums from the culture and leisure directorate into city development.
"We are not in a position to go public and the union and the various people who have been wound up by them are jumping the gun and basing their fears on inaccurate information," she said.
Links
Letters, Museums Journal March 2009, p20-21
Letters, Museums Journal March 2009, p20-21
