Job Cuts at Eden Project

One of the UK’s top tourist attractions, Cornwall’s Eden Project, is facing job cuts amid falling visitor numbers. Eden, a collection of spectacular biomes or giant greenhouses, built in an old china clay pit in St Austell, has been hailed as one of Britain’s top tourist attractions. It was named “Best UK Leisure Attraction” at the British travel Awards 2012.

Up to 70 jobs could be cut as visitor numbers fell below the million mark for the first time since it opened in 2001. Eden has said that they are trying to cut costs by £2m, and that means job cuts for the 445 strong staff. A statement from Eden read;

“Far fewer visitors came to Cornwall in 2012 due to a combination of the Olympics, poor summer and autumn weather and the lasting effects of the recession.”

The venue has tried to diversify by hosting summer concerts by bands such as Pulp, Kaiser Chiefs and Sigur Ros, but this has not prevented the need for these cuts. A letter to staff from chief executive Sir Tim Smit read;

“No sugar coated pill will ease the anguish for those affected … we hope you will depart feeling a great deal of pride in all you have achieved in creating a very special place, for now and for the future.”

As a key economic driver, and large employer, the Eden job losses will come as a significant blow to the local economy.

Full Story

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/jan/29/eden-project-job-cuts-fall-visitors

Author: Robert Smith