Eden Project to cut almost half of its jobs
Up to 200 staff members at the Eden Project could lose their jobs as the tourist attraction announces huge losses due to coronavirus.
The Cornwall centre has lost more than £7 million in revenue so far this year, and Eden Project bosses have told staff that job losses are inevitable due to the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
The biomes at Eden Project were closed for more than three months during national lockdown.
They reopened on 4 July with significantly reduced visitor capacity due to social distancing requirements.
A six-week consultation process and restructure has now begun across all areas and levels of the company.
The Eden Project estimates that around 150 full-time equivalent jobs will be lost out of the current total of 375 full-time equivalent jobs, a reduction of 40%.
This will mean that around 200 to 220 people in full and part-time roles are likely to leave the organisation as a result of the restructure.
In a statement on behalf of the Eden Project board, David Harland, Executive Director, said:
"It is a hugely saddening day for the whole team as we work so closely together. Redundancies are our last resort.
"We pay tribute to everyone for the way in which they have responded to the most difficult and challenging year we have ever had and ensured that Eden is safe and ready to welcome visitors back.
"As our income shrank to nothing for many weeks, we have had to remain resilient and constantly adapt.
"Sadly the economic shock caused by the pandemic means that we cannot maintain our current staffing levels."