Some 140 staff remain at risk of compulsory redundancy as the union and management continue discussions.
Prospect’s survey, carried out this week, revealed that 82% have no confidence in the trust’s restructure plan, and 88% believe that the proposals will fail to support the aims of conservation and heritage.
“The strength of feeling among our members is very concerning,” said Prospect negotiator Ian Perth.
“The majority of survey participants are not directly affected by the restructure and they are genuinely worried about the future of the charity.‘’
Only 5% of members surveyed believe that the restructure - as planned - will leave the trust in a stronger position.
Perth added: ‘’Prospect is engaging positively with the trust and expect the number of compulsory redundancies to be reduced. However, our members are increasingly frustrated by the lack of detail in the plans before them.
“We don’t believe that the trust can continue to implement these proposals when so many questions remain unanswered. Our members are seeking answers to basic questions and so far the responses have been unsatisfactory.
“We are calling on government, the NTS board of trustees and members groups around Scotland to join in the demanding answers and reassurance.”
Members are questioning how NTS will be able to deliver its statutory and charitable aims with a restructure that focuses heavily on outsourcing and commercialisation of the organisation.
NTS provides vital services for the Scottish government, Historic Environment Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage.
‘’While it’s natural that organisations will seek to improve their financial position, it’s important that NTS doesn’t forget the reason for its existence,” explained Perth.
“The trust’s membership levels are at a record high and Prospect’s many members are concerned that senior management have become far too commercially-focused.’’
Prospect is scheduled to continue formal consultation with the trust until mid-September.
For further information contact:
Ian Perth
0131 558 5287 (w)
07770 304491 (m)
[email protected]
Andrew Child
020 7902 6681 (w)
07770 304480 (m)
[email protected]