Voluntary sector job losses

Voluntary sector job losses are becoming a serious cause for concern across Britain, with unions looking to government bodies to recognise the scale of the problem. In England and Wales, the latest Charity Commission Economic Survey of Charities reveals that 52% of charities surveyed have been affected by the financial downturn, while 58% experienced a loss of income.

Rachel Maskell, national officer for the Unite general union which organises in the sector, warned that the picture may be even bleaker than this, with job losses disguised as reorganisation. She called on the Office of the Third Sector to do more detailed research into job losses and effects on services.