Prospect national officer Alan Leighton said in response to the Art Fund’s report, Why Collect?, on museum collecting said:

“Government cuts are sacrificing the future development of the sector.

“Funding cuts are also having a devastating effect on staff working in museums and galleries. Prospect members and people working across heritage are under intense pressure to keep these vital services open and relevant with fewer resources.

“This report’s findings, that junior roles are paid 25% below market rate in collections and curations management, is indicative of the challenges all staff are facing in museums.

“Our members are reporting difficulties in recruitment, retention and finding a work-life balance. These highly-skilled roles need to be fairly-remunerated to ensure that museums continue to attract the brightest and most enthusiastic talent to bring history to life.”

Find out more about Prospect's work in heritage sector here.