The National Trust is looking to cut its workforce by 6% due to “cost pressures” including this year’s hikes in employer National Insurance (NI) contributions and an increase to the National Living Wage.

The charity wants to find savings of £26m and has pledged to “minimise compulsory redundancies”.

More than 550 roles will be impacted by the move, according to the union Prospect, which represents staff.

The union’s deputy general secretary Steve Thomas said he is “hearing shock and anger of staff” around the job cut plans.

Prospect is concerned that “cuts of this scale risk losing institutional knowledge and skills” which are vital to the National Trust’s mission to preserve “the country’s cultural, historic and natural heritage”.

“We understand the cost pressures, but management decisions and external factors have contributed to the financial situation — and now our members are paying the price,” it said.

“Prospect will work with the National Trust to minimise the impact of these cuts on workers and operations.”

🚨 Prospect responds to news that the National Trust will cut more than 550 jobs:

Our members are custodians of the country’s cultural, historic and natural heritage - cuts of this scale risk losing institutional knowledge and skills which are vital to that mission.

— Prospect Union (@ProspectUnion) July 11, 2025

A 45-day consultation period is being launched with staff following the announcement and the charity says it is in talks Prospect “to make the transition as painless as possible”.

“The National Trust exists to protect and promote nature, beauty and history for everyone’s benefit,” said the charity.

“But our job is increasingly tough due to sustained cost pressures beyond our control. They are affecting many charities, and they are affecting the National Trust.”

It added: “To meet our aims and create a sustainable future for the organisation in a tough financial environment, our first step must be to ensure we are financially strong and properly resourced for the future.

“Although demand and support for our work are growing with yearly increases in visitors and donations; increasing costs are outstripping this growth. Responding to this situation means making some internal changes to the organisation.”

It says that “pay is the biggest part of our costs”, with NI contribution and Living Wage increases set to add £10m to its annual wage bill this year.

“We know how difficult this is for our people and are incredibly grateful for their skill and professionalism,” said the National Trust.

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