Sadler’s Wells cuts jobs after coronavirus shuts down theatres

The dance group is making a swathe of cost cuts
Laurent Liotardo

London dance organisation Sadler’s Wells has put around 50 jobs at risk of redundancy as the coronavirus lockdown on the events industry continues to bite.

The dance house, whose home is located in Clerkenwell, has kicked off a consultation over 51 roles. This represents 26% of its permanent and fixed term workforce.

It said the lay-offs at the group, known worldwide for its prowess in ballet, were part of a wider cost-cutting initiative looking at "proposed organisational change and efficiency measures".

Artistic director and chief executive Alistair Spalding said: "In my 20 years at Sadler’s Wells and 15 years as its leader, the talent and dedication of our colleagues has been the cornerstone of every success and moment of magic on our stages and off….

“We’ve searched long and hard to avoid having to take this course of action for as long as possible, but given the current situation, and in the face of continued uncertainty, it has become unavoidable.

“The impact of the global pandemic has been devastating for the arts – for organisations like Sadler’s Wells and for the many companies, freelancers and casual staff whose talent and skill is central to our industry.”

Executive director Britannia Morton said closing its theatres due to the virus had robbed it of the ability to earn 80% of its income.

The redundancies follow a slew of redundancies across the economy, from household names in aviation like British Airways to retail with WH Smith, Boots and John Lewis cutting jobs.

In the events industry, the National Theatre last month told its 400-strong workforce of casual staff they will lose their jobs. Those affected – its 250 front of house and 150-strong backstage teams 0 will be paid until the end of August.

Sadler’s Wells received £1.5 million from Arts Council England’s emergency grant programme.

Spalding added: "We are committed to doing all we can to play our role in rebuilding the sector, but recognise we can only do so if we get through the current crisis. I never imagined we would be in this position, but thank our colleagues for coming together as a community and for supporting each other as we all face this unprecedented challenge."