National Trust freezes hiring due to £10 million costs

The National Trust is facing significant financial challenges due to changes in the UK budget led by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. The charity has announced that it will freeze all recruitment except for essential roles. This decision comes after a £10 million increase in labor costs from recent budget changes. The rise in labor costs is mainly due to a 1.2 percentage point hike in National Insurance for employers and an increase in the minimum wage from £8.60 to £10 an hour. These changes are set to take effect next month. Despite these budget pressures, the National Trust does not expect visitor experiences or opening hours to change. National Trust officials said they would focus on recruitment for roles that are critical to business operations and prioritize projects that provide significant public benefits or urgent conservation needs. The charity manages over 500 sites across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, welcoming millions of visitors each year. The National Trust spokesperson emphasized that, while they support fair pay, the recent increases in wage and insurance contributions pose a significant challenge. The organization, like many in the sector, is grappling with financial pressures caused by the cost-of-living crisis, high inflation, and a lack of economic growth. They stressed that membership and donations from the public have become more important than ever to sustain their charitable work.