Severn Valley Railway reveals voluntary redundancy plan Published

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From The BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page)

Plans for voluntary redundancies have been announced by a heritage railway, which says the cost of coal, diesel and utilities has "rocketed".

Severn Valley Railway (SVR) said other savings measures included a recruitment freeze and steps to save energy usage.

It added it was facing "a significant drop" in passenger revenue.

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From Rail Advent

Severn Valley Railway Managing Director, Helen Smith, is to leave the role in 2023, the heritage railway has announced.

The railway says that Helen is leaving to take up another role after three years as Managing Director.

Helen is to remain at the railway over the next few months to work with SVR Chairman Mike Ball, and Vice Chairman Jonathan Dunster, to allow for a smooth handover.

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And from Birmingham Live

One of the Midlands' most popular tourist attractions has revealed cuts plans - and refused to rule out compulsory redundancies. The Severn Valley Railway said its steam and diesel services, beloved by generations of Midland families, would only run for four days a week when it reopened on March 4 after the annual closure for maintenance.

[ChrisB]

Left that decision a tad late: i think I’ve seen their 2023 brochure/leaflet about. That’ll be an expensive reprint?

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And now The BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page)

Severn Valley Railway (SVR) is to make up to 18 people redundant as it tackles rising costs.

The heritage attraction needs to save almost £1m on staffing to manage a drop in passenger numbers and increased fuel prices.

Unfilled vacancies and redeployments achieved a £650,000 saving last year, bosses said, with a further £300,000 reduction necessary in 2023.

"We are about to begin a consultation period for compulsory redundancies," said managing director Helen Smith.

Ms Smith, who leaves her post at the end of the month, added the visitor attraction also had to allow for "a significant statutory increase to minimum wage levels".

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From a BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) article

Severn Valley Railway has launched a £1.5m Survival Fund appeal

It comes on top of redundancies announced in February

Bosses blamed rising costs and fewer passengers

They said Brexit, the pandemic and the war in Ukraine were all contributing factors