Staff at the British Council in Italy are set to strike over deep cuts that would eliminate approximately 80% of its workforce, driven by a funding crisis facing the organization. Out of 130 teaching staff across Rome, Milan, and Naples, 108 are at risk as teaching activities in Italy face the axe. This move would end 80 years of British Council English language teaching in Italy, part of the organization's global mission to promote British culture and education, sources confirmed.
Strike and Protest Plans
Shocked staff will protest next Thursday at the British embassy in Rome, with another strike planned for June 4. The Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL) stated on Instagram that the British Council in Italy is about to lay off 108 out of 130 employees, masking this political choice of the British government behind an alleged corporate crisis. CGIL emphasized that the council is a cultural institution, not a corporation, established to promote cultural and educational cooperation between the two countries.
Financial Challenges and Government Loan
The British Council, a leading soft power institution founded in 1934 operating in about 100 countries, has been forced to restructure due to a £197 million government loan from the Covid pandemic era. The loan, agreed under Boris Johnson's Conservative government, carries an annual interest of about £14 million and must be repaid by September. A source said operations in Italy had been extremely badly hit, leaving staff shocked, upset, and angry, as the reduced presence sends a strong political message that Italy is not important.
The British Council conducts English language tuition for adults and children, as well as corporate and business classes. Its exams division is expected to continue under partners, and cultural events would remain. Chief Executive Scott McDonald previously warned that the organization could disappear within a decade, harming the UK's global status and leaving a vacuum for Russia and China unless the government acts.
Internal Consultation and Job Losses
Politico reported that an internal consultation document lists 784 jobs in scope across the UK and Europe, with at least 404 roles expected to be displaced, accounting for 15% of staff. Consultations are also taking place in France, Spain, and Portugal. In October, McDonald told the foreign affairs select committee that the organization was nearly insolvent, and despite 16 months of negotiation with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), things had stalled, leaving the council in real financial peril.
The council's three main income streams—teaching, exams, and development contracts—make up 85% of turnover and have all come under pressure during and since Covid. The UK spends less on development, and with US development aid gone, there are fewer projects to win. The council also receives grant-in-aid funding from the FCDO, which last year was £162 million, about 15% of total income.
British Council Response
A British Council spokesperson said that like many international organizations, it continues to face financial challenges after the pandemic, including addressing a significant funding gap and repaying the £197 million loan. They are taking necessary steps to cut costs and grow revenue to become modern, efficient, and adaptable. The council is reviewing operations in several countries, including a proposal to close teaching centers in Italy due to profound changes in learner demand. They have been working in Italy since 1945 and are proud of the contribution made by their network of centers. They will continue wider work in Italy, including exams and culture and education, through strong partnerships.
