National Museum Wales – Amgueddfa Cymru has revealed a major restructure that will involve the loss of 35 permanent posts. It has entered into a 90-day consultation period with its 650 members of staff and trade unions.
A spokeswoman for National Museum Wales said the restructure was a reaction to public funding cuts, which mean it has to find £2.5m in savings by 2016.
Staff will be offered redeployments, voluntary redundancy and early retirement in a bid to avoid compulsory redundancies.
National Museum Wales estimated that 160 roles would be affected by the restructure. This includes the 35 permanent roles, as well as those on fixed-term contacts that will not be renewed or extended.
The terms and conditions of employment for other members of staff will change as a result of the restructure. A statement from the museum said the proposed changes would not affect the day-to-day operations of its seven sites.
“The museum also remains committed to delivering key projects such as the redevelopment of St Fagans: National History Museum, National Museum of Natural Science and building upon partnership work throughout Wales and beyond,” it said.
The Public & Commercial Services union (PCS), which represents nearly 300 members of staff at National Museum Wales, expressed concern over the proposals.
Neil Harrison, PCS branch secretary, said: “While we are glad that a commitment has been given to avoid compulsory redundancies, the cutting of 35 permanent posts nevertheless represents a significant loss in terms of the commitment and expertise of the staff involved, and will prove challenging if the museum is to maintain current service levels.
“The PCS and our sister unions will, of course, engage fully in the consultation on these decisions to protect the jobs and conditions of our members and the services that they provide.”
A spokeswoman for National Museum Wales said the restructure was a reaction to public funding cuts, which mean it has to find £2.5m in savings by 2016.
Staff will be offered redeployments, voluntary redundancy and early retirement in a bid to avoid compulsory redundancies.
National Museum Wales estimated that 160 roles would be affected by the restructure. This includes the 35 permanent roles, as well as those on fixed-term contacts that will not be renewed or extended.
The terms and conditions of employment for other members of staff will change as a result of the restructure. A statement from the museum said the proposed changes would not affect the day-to-day operations of its seven sites.
“The museum also remains committed to delivering key projects such as the redevelopment of St Fagans: National History Museum, National Museum of Natural Science and building upon partnership work throughout Wales and beyond,” it said.
The Public & Commercial Services union (PCS), which represents nearly 300 members of staff at National Museum Wales, expressed concern over the proposals.
Neil Harrison, PCS branch secretary, said: “While we are glad that a commitment has been given to avoid compulsory redundancies, the cutting of 35 permanent posts nevertheless represents a significant loss in terms of the commitment and expertise of the staff involved, and will prove challenging if the museum is to maintain current service levels.
“The PCS and our sister unions will, of course, engage fully in the consultation on these decisions to protect the jobs and conditions of our members and the services that they provide.”
