Jobs axe a blow to tree research, says Prospect

Jobs axe a blow to tree research, says Prospect

Prospect today (Wed 2 Feb) condemned the Forestry Commission's announcement of 500 job losses as a major blow to vital environmental research and management in England, Scotland and Wales.

"The whole country is mobilising against the government's unpopular plan to sell off England's public forest estate to private owners," said Prospect negotiator Malcolm Currie.

The job cuts were announced on the day MPs were debating an opposition motion seeking to halt the sell-off of forests and woodlands.

Prospect issued a news release in which Currie warned: "This week it has become clear that the commission faces great damage even before any moves to sell off England's forests are implemented.

"Today it announced the loss of at least 150 jobs at the GB headquarters in Edinburgh, and 350 in England, just to achieve a 25% cut required by the Comprehensive Spending Review. There will also be a knock-on effect in Wales."

After hearing more details about restructuring plans in England it was clear these job cuts are "the tip of the iceberg", he said.

Many of Prospect's 270 FC members carry out vital environmental research to guard against and combat tree diseases and monitor climate change. They depend on the librarians, photographers, and other specialists who work for the Commission, and whose jobs are also in danger.


  • 02 Feb 2011