Visit York to axe more than quarter of workforce amid budget deficit

Visit York announced yesterday that up to a dozen posts out of its 40 staff are at risk to counter cutbacks in funding from the Government.

The imminent demise of the regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward, at the start of the new financial year as part of the national cutbacks has led to the six-figure budget shortfall.

Visit York has overseen a series of hugely successful marketing campaigns in recent years to bolster the city’s tourism industry, which brings in £443m each year. Senior officials yesterday attempted to provide a positive outlook, but admitted that services will be affected and job losses will be made by the end of March.

Visit York’s chairman John Yeomans said: “If you do not have the core income, then it cuts your ability to perform.

“We are having to prioritise to make sure that we can still provide a first class marketing organisation.”

Efforts are underway to recruit more businesses to boost the ranks of Visit York’s existing 700-strong membership, which provides about a third of the core annual budget of £900,000 through subscription fees. It is hoped York Council will continue to provide a £300,000 package of funding in the new financial year.

Mr Yeomans admitted more volunteers would have to be signed up to help deliver Visit York’s services, especially in the tourist information centre in Museum Street. Efforts are also underway to secure funding from both the Regional Growth Fund and the Economic Regional Development Fund.

[email protected]