JOB cuts at the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) have been put on pause as bosses work out where the axe will fall, it has emerged.
More than 400 jobs are at risk at the heritage body.
Managers were to begin informing employees this week about whether or not they would be made redundant.
It has now emerged that this has been put on pause and no compulsory redundancies will now take place this month.
The move comes as NTS awaits news from Scottish Enterprise about a proposal Trust leaders put to the Scottish Government about the £30million funding shortfall thrown up by the coronavirus crisis.
Richard Hardy, national secretary of the Prospect union that represents NTS staff, said: “Postponements such as this are stressful for members but it is important that both the Trust and Prospect have time to properly digest any positive response from Scottish Enterprise.
“It’s vital that any available public funding is used to protect the jobs of workers at National Trust Scotland and preserve long-term access to important historical and natural heritage sites. ”
Phil Long, NTS chief executive, said: “I’m under no illusions about the human cost of this unwanted and difficult situation and the worry and stress caused by it. I’m therefore sorry to add to that by briefly pausing confirmation of the consultation outcomes and our final decisions based on them, albeit for good reasons.
"While we have come to a view on the operational model needed if our charity is to have the best possible chance of survival and, indeed, remain viable if more Covid-19 infection spikes occur, we’re not ready to finalise the number of posts affected.
"We are continuing our discussions with Scottish Enterprise and the outcome of those may affect the final position, and it is therefore prudent to hold off until these have been concluded.
“No-one will leave the Trust’s payroll by reason of compulsory redundancy during the month of August and that we’re extending furlough leave on 100% pay into September.
“I remain committed to saving as many jobs as possible and to deliver the certainty our people are seeking as soon as I can. Once again, I want to thank them for their forbearance through this most terrible of times.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here