Museum workers fear jobs axe

The Ironbridge Gorge Museum today announced it would be making "a small number" of compulsory redundancies following a disastrous year caused by summer floods and road closures.

Bosses have been consulting the 200-strong workforce over the past month over plans to slim down staff numbers by just under 10 per cent.

A letter went out to all employees on October 15 asking for voluntary redundancies across the board.

Steve Miller, chief executive, said today: "A number of volunteers have come forward. But, as expected, we are considering a small number of compulsory redundancies.

"The museum is now in consultation with the individuals who are at risk and a final decision will be made shortly."

When he announced the job losses last month, Mr Miller blamed the summer floods, road closures due to land movement and increases to both interest rates and petrol prices.

Many visitors stayed away from the museum this year.

This resulted in a big slump in takings for Shropshire's top tourist attraction.

The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, currently celebrating its 40th anniversary, manages 10 museums, a creative industry centre, shops and 34 buildings. Its flagship attraction is Blists Hill Victorian Town, which is undergoing a £10 million revamp.