Sadler’s Wells planning to cut a quarter of its workforce

A quarter of jobs at arts charity Sadler’s Wells are at risk due to the Covid-19 crisis.

The move comes as the charity sector, and in particular those involved in the arts, continue to be hit hard by the pandemic, with venue doors remaining closed and fundraising events cancelled.

The international dance charity has said that it is to consult with its permanent and fixed- terms staff on organisational changes.

The proposals put 51 jobs at risk, which represents 26% of its workforce.

It is with heavy hearts we announce that Sadler’s Wells has entered a consultation process with our permanent and fixed term staff, following the devastating impact of the coronavirus crisis.

You can read our full update here: https://t.co/jIyP8dK7ON
— Sadler's Wells (@Sadlers_Wells) August 12, 2020

Nigel Higgins, the charity’s board of trustees chair said: “We are all very grateful for the way in which the individuals and teams at Sadler’s Wells have responded to the coronavirus crisis.

“This makes it doubly difficult to be entering into a consultation process to restructure the organisation and reduce the size of our workforce. We have done what we could to avoid this, and are grateful to the Arts Council of England and the UK government for their support.

“However, with no immediate visibility of reopening and generating income we have no choice but to take this action in order to protect the longer-term future of Sadler’s Wells. We hope for and are working hard to ensure better times for Sadler’s Wells, our staff and wider communities.”

Salders Wells chief executive and artistic director Alistair Spalding added: “In my 20 years at Sadler’s Wells and 15 years as its leader, the talent and dedication of our colleagues has been the cornerstone of every success and moment of magic on our stages and off.

“Every colleague at Sadler’s Wells has played their part in making Sadler’s Wells what it is today, and I am heartbroken that we have to embark on this process.

We’ve searched long and hard to avoid having to take this course of action for as long as possible, but given the current situation, and in the face of continued uncertainty, it has become unavoidable.”

This week research by New Philanthropy Capital revealed that more than 5,000 charity workers have already lost their jobs amid the pandemic. Arts and culture has been the hardest hit sector, with almost 3,000 job losses.