The Stage

Dark period prompts job losses at Derby Playhouse

Published Tuesday 13 June 2006 at 15:20 by Nuala Calvi

Derby Playhouse has served 36 members of staff with redundancy notices, following the results of consultations with unions ahead of the theatre’s extended dark period this autumn.

Managers say some of the posts, 16 of which are in the catering arm Derby Playhouse Enterprises, will have to be refilled once capital work on the venue finishes in December. However, former staff will not be given first refusal of jobs.

Bectu national official Lynne Korniak said the agreement was “disappointing”. She told The Stage: “Usually we are able to reach an agreement that those people who have been made redundant can return when a venue reopens, but there has been a reluctance to do so on behalf of the management.”

Derby Playhouse chief executive Karen Hebden commented: “Staff redundancies are regrettable but as a not-for-profit organisation we simply cannot afford to retain roles that will not be necessary during this time.

“We are working closely with staff to support those affected. As part of our restructure programme a number of new posts will be created and we will be working towards this during the autumn.”