The World War Two codebreaking site in Buckinghamshire has begun a voluntary redundancy scheme in a bid to save 12% on staff costs
The Bletchley Park Trust, which operates Bletchley Park museum and estate, is to make up to 18 redundancies in an effort to save costs, it has announced.
The Trust said it has exhausted a range of existing measures to reduce costs and increase income, and that staff costs will also need to be reduced.
It is proposing to reduce its overall staff cost base by around 12% beginning with a voluntary redundancy programme. Staff were informed this week.
Bletchley Park currently employs 105 paid staff, equivalent to around 86 full-time positions. The Trust is proposing to reduce its overall staff cost base by around 12%, which could mean up to 18 posts.
The World War Two codebreaking site in Buckinghamshire said it has experienced lower visitor numbers in a challenging economic environment, resulting in reduced income, and is forecast to make a loss in 2026.
It said it is likely to incur further deficit in future years, and has “a responsibility to ensure that its operating costs remain aligned with its income,” while protecting its ability to care for the historic site and deliver its charitable mission.
Bletchley Park Trust CEO Iain Standen said: “This is a difficult decision because the strength of Bletchley Park has always been its people. We have an outstanding team, and I am immensely grateful for everything they have done to make Bletchley Park the successful museum and heritage attraction it is today.
“The visitor attraction and heritage sector is operating in a very challenging economic environment. We have worked hard to reduce costs and increase income without affecting our people, but we have now reached the point where further action is necessary.
“Acting now gives us the best opportunity to create a sustainable organisation for the future and to reduce the risk of having to make further significant changes in the years ahead.”
Major capital projects already underway are expected to continue, including plans for two new exhibitions set to open in 2028 and 2029.
Standen added: “Bletchley Park has an extraordinary past and an important future. Our responsibility is to protect both.
“The decisions we are taking now are about ensuring that Bletchley Park Trust remains strong enough to preserve this remarkable site, tell its stories to future generations and continue to inspire people through the ingenuity, service and human endeavour represented here.”
