Working Families closes following ‘a sustained period of financial challenge’

Working Families is closing following a review of the charity’s future viability and amid “a sustained period of financial challenge”.

The family support charity said the decision to close after 47 years “has been taken with great care, and with heavy hearts” at a time when many charities “are facing increased pressure, with rising costs and shifting demand”.

It said in a statement that while it maintained “strong income” from trusts and other funders but “wider external factors, including changes in employer demand and pressures on organisational budgets, have significantly affected the sustainability of our work”.

Over the last five years the charity’s income has increased from £982,000 in the 12 months to March 2021 to £1.21m in 2025.

However, during that time its spending has increased more steeply from £786,310 to £1.2m.

According to the Register of Charities it employed 29 people as of March last year and was supported by 10 trustees and 90 volunteers.

Latest impact evaluation from the charity shows it supported one in 10 UK parents to access free legal advice during 2024/25, provided tailored advice to 1,500 people a year and lobbied politicians around parental leave and working families’ rights.

Its statement added: “Our priority now is to ensure that the charity winds down responsibly, treating everyone connected to it fairly and with respect, and preserving the legacy of the work we have been so proud to lead.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported Working Families over the years. Our staff team, trustees, partners, funders, employers, Changemakers and the many parents and carers who trusted us at moments that really mattered.”



Share Story:

Recent Stories


Beyond the funding squeeze: Using equities to secure your charity’s future
With charities facing increasing financial pressure and traditional income streams under strain, making investments work harder has never been more important. M&G’s Richard Macey and Michael Stiasny join Charity Times to discuss why equities remain a vital long-term asset class for charities, how organisations can balance income generation and growth, and the opportunities the current market environment may offer to help strengthen financial resilience.

Charity Times Awards 2023

Video Q&A: Benefits of bespoke investment vs pooled funds for the third sector
In this Charity Times video Q&A, editor Lauren Weymouth speaks to Ed Caswell of RBC Brewin Dolphin to explore how charities can align investment strategies with their mission, balance income and growth, and adapt to changing needs. He discusses discretionary management, responsible investment and the importance of effective governance and regular portfolio reviews.