FFHS-NEWS Changes at The National Archives (TNA)

[News from the Federation of Family History Societies]

Closing the reading rooms on Mondays and the introduction of car parking
charges are just two of the changes being proposed by the TNA.  These are
necessary if the current level of funding remains unchanged in cash terms
for the foreseeable future, as has been the case for the past three years.
On the other hand, expenses are increasing eg salaries and energy costs to
name but two.  Unless action is taken it will soon reach the stage where the
funding is not sufficient to meet operating costs.  More information can be
found at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/changes.

 

The Monday closing is expected to save £0.5M out of the £900k that is to
come from the public services part of TNA.  The remainder of the £4.2M
saving is to come from other areas.

 

There are currently about 30 vacancies and these will not be filled.  In
addition, a further 35 jobs are expected to go.  We were told that a flatter
staffing structure would be introduced.

 

There was strong feeling aroused at the first open meeting which I attended
on 2 July when these proposals were explained for the first time.  Since
then letters of protest have appeared in The Times and The Daily Telegraph.
The Independent has also publicised this.

 

Nick Barratt is heading a campaign against the proposals and we will keep
you informed of progress.

 

Roger Lewry

FFHS Archives Liaison

exec.member.rl at ffhs.org.uk

13 July 2009

 

The Federation of Family History Societies is a Company Limited by Guarantee

Company Number 2930189 (England & Wales) - Registered Charity Number 1038721

Registered Office: Artillery House, 15 Byrom Street, Manchester, England M3
4PF

 

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