Prospect celebrates value of heritage workers in Wales
A special Prospect event to highlight the importance of heritage and culture to the wellbeing of people and the economy in Wales was attended by heritage reps and Welsh Parliament MSs in the Pierhead Building in Cardiff on Tuesday, 4 June.
Hosted by Heledd Fychan MS, the event allowed Prospect reps to share their experiences from the recent cuts and explain how the reduction in funding across the National Museum Wales, National Library Wales and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historic Monuments of Wales has impacted on their work.
As well as Heledd Fychan MS, the event also heard from Rob Phillips, chair of Wales Heritage branch, Scott McKenzie-Cook, Heritage Sector president, and Lewis Robinson, sector vice president.
The sector in Wales faces ongoing challenges, with more than 100 workers leaving this year due to budget cuts, which has resulted in increased workloads and a loss of skills.
The job losses have come despite the significant economic benefits, improvements to wellbeing and education and social inclusion that heritage workers and their institutions bring to enrich our lives.
Prospect Assistant Secretary Jane Lancastle said:
“Prospect members in heritage have seen their funding for 2024/25 cut by more than 10%, unlike other nations who are investing in their heritage and culture sector. Too many specialists like geologists, copyright experts, ceramics and rural agriculture have already been lost.
“Just like the roles already lost, there are many posts that are currently occupied by one person with no succession arrangements to ensure that we do not continue to lose unique knowledge, skills and experience for good.”
Reflecting on the event, she added:
“We heard from reps, who told us about the functions that can no longer be performed, of their increased workload and of the continuing job security challenges they face.
“Too many heritage workers feel stuck in lower paid roles or find their vocation incompatible with owning a home, starting a family, or saving for a pension. Working in heritage shouldn’t only be an option for people without family responsibilities, or those with other forms of financial security.
“We want to see Heritage recognised as an investment to both protect and preserve for the next generation but to reap the economic and cultural benefits that it brings to all our lives.”
