• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Monday July 14 2025

National Trust plans 500 job cuts following tax hike

The National Trust is planning to cut around 550 jobs in the face of rising costs.

The charity, which is headquartered in Swindon, said increased National Insurance costs and the National Living Wage rise – as set out in the government’s autumn budget – were outstripping growth in visitors and donations.

The organisation says it needs to slash its wage bill by £26 million.

The proposals will lead to an estimate six per cent reduction in its workforce.

In a statement to members, the trust said: “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.”

It said it was working with the union Prospect to “make the transition as painless as possible.”

It did not say where cuts would be made.

The trust operates around 500 castles, gardens, parks, stately homes and nature reserves in the UK and employs nearly 10,000 people.

Pictured: The National Trust HQ in Swindon