July 23, 2020 5.28 pm This story is over 47 months old

Lincoln Cathedral seeks staff redundancies in COVID-19 crisis

The coronavirus lockdown put a big strain on its finances
Lincoln Cathedral shines blue for NHS and key workers. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Lincoln Cathedral is looking to make staff redundant due to the financial impact of the coronavirus lockdown.

The cathedral has just over 100 staff. It was closed during the pandemic and reopened for individual private prayer only last month.

The coronavirus crisis put a big strain on its finances as no events could be run and fundraising and collection contributions had reduced.

It is now trying to find alternative funding options and income streams as it is not possible to maintain its previous staffing structure.

A Cathedral spokesperson said: “We can confirm that, as a result of a significant reduction in income due to the impact of COVID-19, we are looking at ways to reduce expenditure.

“As part of this, staff have been asked if they wish to apply for voluntary redundancy or a reduction in hours.

“This has been an exceptionally difficult decision to take, and not one that has been reached easily.

“Following three months of closure, and with the additional safety and social distancing measures in place, visitor numbers are not expected to return to their usual levels in the near future, placing further strain on finances.

“It is currently not possible to run events, which are a significant source of income, and fundraising and collection contributions have also fallen substantially.

“There has been, and continues to be, a significant amount of work taking place to find alternative funding options and income streams.

“However, while these will mitigate shortfalls in some areas, it is not possible to maintain our previous staffing structure.

“It is essential that the cathedral is responsible in its approach to the matter and that any future plan is sustainable for those that pray, visit, volunteer and work in the cathedral.

“It is hoped that compulsory redundancies can be avoided, but that will depend on the outcome of this consultation. We are working closely to support colleagues as they consider this option.

“We know that we are not alone in having to face these painful and unpleasant choices, and we express our support for our colleagues in other cathedrals and many other organisations across the country who find themselves in the same situation.”