Jobs cuts and redundancies loom for Eastbourne theatres and tourism staff

Staff in the theatres and tourism departments at Eastbourne council have been warned of massive job cuts and redundancies.
Congress Theatre and Welcome building in Eastbourne (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-200319-110718008Congress Theatre and Welcome building in Eastbourne (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-200319-110718008
Congress Theatre and Welcome building in Eastbourne (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-200319-110718008

As a host of regular events in the Eastbourne calendar have been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic and council-run theatres in the town unlikely to open before next April, the authority says it faces significant challenges and needs to make cuts.

Staff in the theatres and tourism department – including the Tourist Information Centre – have this week been told there will be a reduction in the number of staff in those two areas.

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The first step in the process is a consultation with staff on new structures within the organisation and job roles.

Devonshire Park Theatre in Eastbourne (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-200319-110742008Devonshire Park Theatre in Eastbourne (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-200319-110742008
Devonshire Park Theatre in Eastbourne (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-200319-110742008

A council spokesperson said, “In common with every other local authority at this time, we face significant financial challenges as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“When the country went into lockdown, and in response to government directives, Eastbourne Borough Council rapidly activated a raft of emergency measures and processes to support our most vulnerable residents and local businesses.

“Disappointingly, central government has not fulfilled its commitment to meet our increased costs that resulted from this emergency aid and the severe loss of income to the council due to Covid-19.

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“The latest forecast shows a budget deficit of around £9.9 million. To date, we have received just over £1 million from government.

“Nowhere in the council has the lockdown been felt more acutely than in our theatres and events department. Most regrettably, this will mean a reduction in the numbers of staff. This review is no way a reflection of the quality of our staff, who have all been excellent and we regret having to put them through this process.”

The spokesperson said the council’s foremost priorities are to deliver a balanced budget and maintain the day-to-day frontline services which residents rely on.

“Achieving these demands at this time will involve making a number of difficult and painful decisions, but we must do what is necessary to make sure all services continue to be financially viable,” said the spokesperson.

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