A PLAN to reduce costs at one of Britain’s biggest heritage railways will mean voluntary redundancies and the possibility of compulsory job losses, although managers at the Great Central Railway insist they are far from being“at crisis point”.
Having seen losses of around £500,000 for the 2023 financial year, the GCR said it was working hard to get to a position where it can balance its books.
While much of the line is run by volunteers, a number of positions are filled by paid staff.
“As we enter a new financial year, staff are being offered the chance to apply for redundancy with a view to saving £250,000,” said GCR general manager Malcolm Holmes.
“We are not alone in the heritage sector, or indeed the whole leisure industry, in having seen our costs increase hugely over the last four years.
“In particular, the cost of heating and lighting – which quadrupled during 2022 – is a substantial unavoidable burden. While these costs have at least stabilised, we are forced to pay an extraordinary price for coal for our locomotives, which has soared. In the meantime, families have less disposable income to enjoy days out.
“We continue to grow, fundraise and diversify our business so we are far more
