The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has launched a voluntary severance scheme for its staff amid increased financial pressures.
The scheme, announced on Tuesday, forms part of a wider review of how the animal welfare charity operates “to ensure it can continue protecting Scotland’s animals and supporting communities for generations to come”.
In October, the charity confirmed that following a ballot by Unite the Union, 62 out of 139 employees had voted in favour of strike action.
At the time, Unite the Union said a 24-hour strike action would take place on 5 November “after no breakthrough in talks” with the Scottish SPCA.
‘Difficult decisions must be made’
On Tuesday, the Scottish SPCA said it is “completely reliant on public donations and, like many organisations across the charity sector, we’re facing considerable financial pressures”.
“Rising costs to deliver services and maintain facilities, coupled with a challenging fundraising climate, have placed increasing strain on resources,” the charity said in a statement.
“The charity has been managing a planned deficit, and action is needed to secure its long-term sustainability.
“Difficult decisions must be made to protect the organisation’s future – animals across Scotland depend on it.”
In its latest accounts, the charity said that while it reported a surplus last year, it is budgeting for planned deficits in the years 2025 to 2027, including a planned deficit of £5.62m for this year.
“We have the right people and plans in place to continue driving forward income growth and further efficiencies in 2025 and beyond to return the society to a surplus position by 2028,” the accounts read.
Chief executive Mark Bishop said: “The Scottish SPCA has been here for 186 years – not just rescuing and rehoming animals, but supporting communities, developing pioneering programmes, and securing lasting change to improve animal welfare.
“Like many others across the charity sector, our costs have increased significantly, from running our centres and keeping our vans on the road, to feeding and caring for the rising number of animals who need our help.
“Our priority remains the welfare of animals across Scotland, and every decision we take is guided by that.”
