Plan International UK has become the latest charity to consider redundancies as it tackles the economic fall out of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The charity says that financial uncertainty amid the health crisis has forced the charity to look at cutting costs and focus on service delivery, particularly to vulnerable girls globally.

A total of 28 roles are at risk, more than half of which are currently vacant. Staff have already been consulted on the move with final redundancy plans still be finalised.

“We are extremely saddened to be in the regrettable position of having to initiate a cost-reduction programme, which will involve a small number of staff redundancies,” said a spokesperson from Plan International UK.

“Though the effects of COVID-19 are still unfolding, we are already seeing the damaging impact on the economy. Faced with such uncertainty, we must take steps now to reduce our costs whilst ensuring we can continue to deliver our vital work for children, especially girls, all over the world.

“Overall, we expect to reduce the number of posts in Plan International UK by 28, of which more than half are vacant. We have gone through an extensive consultation period with all staff on the proposals, and are still in the process of finalising plans.

“We are fully committed to supporting those staff members who are facing redundancy, including offering career transition support and redeployment opportunities where possible. At this stage we anticipate that the number of actual redundancies made will be less than 10.”

According to data released by New Philanthropy Capital this month more than 5,000 charity workers have already lost their job amid the pandemic. Arts and culture is the hardest hit sector so far.

Further research this month estimates the charity sector is set to lose 60,000 employees due to redundancy amid the health crisis. The figure emerged in the Charity Sector Tracker, published by Pro Bono Economics, the Institute of Fundraising and Charity Finance Group.

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