![\"\"](\"https:\/\/newsblogs.ihbc.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/NT_030420.png\")
The National Trust will furlough up to 80% of its staff as it responds to the coronavirus pandemic.<\/h3>\nThe National Trust will furlough up to 80% of its staff as it responds to the coronavirus pandemic.<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Civil Society News <\/em>writes:<\/p>\n The conservation charity, which has around 14,000 employees, will use the government\u2019s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.<\/p>\n Many of the charity\u2019s usual sources of income are unavailable while the Trust cannot trade due to closure.<\/p>\n The charity said its decision to furlough staff is supported by its trade union, Prospect.<\/p>\n The National Trust\u2019s director general, Hilary McGrady, said: “These are incredibly challenging times. Protecting the Trust during our closure so that we will be able to open again for the nation when the time comes is our main aim.<\/p>\n “During closure we have essential work going on to keep important buildings, collections and gardens safe, secure and tended. And we continue to care for vulnerable wildlife. But most of our staff are simply unable to work and we are asking them to take leave from their day jobs to focus on caring for others, learning, and, where possible, volunteering to help with the broader civil society effort.<\/p>\n “We are really looking forward to a time when we can open our doors and gates again, for everyone.”<\/p>\n Read more….<\/a><\/p>\n For more background see ThirdSector<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n