British Council Staff in Italy to Strike Over Proposed 80% Job Cuts
Staff at the British Council in Italy are planning strikes in response to proposed cuts that would eliminate about 80% of their teaching workforce. The cuts come amid a funding crisis linked to a government loan taken during the Covid pandemic, which must be repaid by September. This reduction would end 80 years of British Council English language teaching in Italy, affecting 108 out of 130 teaching staff across Rome, Milan, and Naples.
Why this matters
The British Council is a key institution promoting British culture and education worldwide. The proposed cuts in Italy represent a significant reduction in the UK’s cultural presence in the country and could weaken the Council’s global influence. The loss of teaching activities in Italy marks the end of a long-standing educational mission and raises concerns about the future of the organisation amid financial pressures.
Background
The British Council, founded in 1934, operates in about 100 countries and is a major soft power institution for the UK. It has faced severe financial challenges following the Covid pandemic, including a £197 million government loan with an annual interest of approximately £14 million. The loan must be repaid by September, forcing the organisation to restructure and cut costs.
Scott McDonald, the British Council’s chief executive, has warned that without government intervention, the organisation could “disappear” within a decade, potentially diminishing the UK’s global status and allowing other countries like Russia and China to fill the void.
Key developments
- The proposed job cuts in Italy target 108 teaching staff out of 130, effectively ending English language teaching by the British Council in the country.
- Staff plan to protest at the British embassy in Rome, with strikes scheduled including one on 4 June.
- The British Council will continue some activities in Italy, such as exams and cultural events, through partnerships.
- Consultations on job cuts and restructuring are also underway in other European countries, including France, Spain, and Portugal.
- An internal document reportedly lists 784 jobs at risk across the UK and Europe, with at least 404 roles expected to be displaced.
Financial pressures and organisational impact
The British Council’s main income streams—teaching, exams, and development contracts—have all been under pressure since the pandemic. UK government spending on development has decreased, and the loss of US development aid has reduced available projects. The Council also receives grant-in-aid funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which was £162 million last year, making up about 15% of its total income.
Despite 16 months of negotiations with the FCDO, the British Council remains in “real financial peril,” according to statements made to parliamentary committees. The organisation is taking steps to cut costs and increase revenue to adapt to changing economic conditions.
Reactions and next steps
The Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL) criticised the job cuts, describing the British Council as a cultural institution rather than a corporation and condemning the layoffs as a political decision by the British government. The CGIL highlighted the loss of cultural and educational cooperation opportunities between Italy and the UK.
A British Council spokesperson acknowledged the financial challenges and confirmed the review of operations in several countries, including the proposal to close teaching centres in Italy due to changes in learner demand. They expressed pride in the Council’s long history in Italy and committed to continuing work in exams, culture, and education through partnerships.
Recommended reading
For more context, see related Peack News coverage and explainers linked below.
