CLIC Sargent is planning a second wave of redundancies after already shedding around 40 staff.

A drop in donations amid the Covid-19 pandemic and the closure of charity shops during lockdown has forced the young people’s cancer charity to cut jobs to tackle a £9m income drop this year.

According to a statement staff have been told to expect a “second round of redundancies as part of a restructure consultation which will begin in the autumn”.

Last month the charity announced that around 40 staff will be made redundant and “several” of its charity shops are remaining closed due to the health crisis. This initial cost-cutting phase focused on the charity’s shops and frontline fundraising activity.

Four charity shops are closing permanently and 12 will remain closed until next year.

“It’s incredibly sad that we’ve had to take these decisions,” said CLIC Sargent chief executive Rachel Kirby-Rider.

“It’s not something I ever imagined we’d have to do. I’d like to thank the staff who have lost their jobs for the hard work and commitment they’ve shown CLIC Sargent while working here. We’re also hugely appreciative to all our volunteers who put their hearts and souls into helping in our charity shops. They’ve made such a difference to the families we work with.”

Referring to the next stage of redundancies, she added: “Young cancer patients and their families have been hit hard by the pandemic and we know that CLIC Sargent’s support is needed more than ever.

“We’re committed to being here for everyone who needs us and we’re taking a longer-term strategic look at how we protect our ability to deliver this service. But, like many other charities in the UK we’re considering the best ways that we offer our vital support, whilst working with less income.

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