Cancer Research UK to furlough 1,800 staff
Meanwhile, Cancer Research UK (CRUK) will furlough up to 1,800 staff using the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
The charity may also furlough other staff during the pandemic and is currently reviewing other roles that could be placed on the scheme.
Mark Allen, executive director of human resources at CRUK, said: “Following the closure of our shops, we will be placing up to 1,800 retail staff on furlough under the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention scheme.
“While this will mainly impact people working in our high street shops, which have been closed since 20 March, we are currently reviewing other roles that could be placed on the scheme.
“We’ve made this decision to protect jobs and reduce the impact of coronavirus on our income and ability to continue funding life-saving research.
“I’d like to thank everyone working at Cancer Research UK for their tremendous efforts and understanding whilst we adapt to the changing situation. We’ll fully support our staff who are affected and keep the situation under review.”
'It’s clear that Cancer Research UK will be hit hard'
Michelle Mitchell, the chief executive at CRUK, wrote in a blog post that the charity expects income from fundraising to drop by around 25% in the next financial year.
She said: “While many things are still uncertain, it’s clear that Cancer Research UK will be hit hard. We’ve worked quickly to understand how Covid-19 will impact our income, and therefore our ability to continue funding our life-saving work.
“We made a decision to protect our volunteers and our supporters by closing our shops and postponing many events. Whilst the right thing to do, this will have huge implications for our fundraising, and we expect to see a 20-25% decline in fundraising income in the next financial year. It’s essential that we respond, and quickly, and this has led to some difficult decisions.
“We’ve already deferred our spring research grant funding round, and we’re making further cuts to our research funding. This is uncomfortable for us, but we must be realistic about what we can deliver given the current circumstances.”
CRUK is one of many charities to warn of a large income drop and to announce furloughing of staff.
Barnardo's has said it will furlough 3,000 staff as a third of its income was 'wiped away overnight’, and Oxfam is to furlough two-thirds of its UK staff in response to Covid-19.
Related articles
