King Charles’ staff told during mourning that they might lose their jobs

King Charles leaves Clarence House before the procession as the coffin of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth is taken from Buckingham Palace to the Houses of Parliament to lie in state, in London, Britain, September 14, 2022. REUTERS/HENRY NICHOLS/POOL

LONDON (Reuters) – House staff who served King Charles when he was already heir to the British throne have been told they could lose their jobs, prompting criticism from a labor union that called the move “heartless” even before Queen Elizabeth. buried.

Charles, who succeeded his mother after her death last Thursday, and his wife Camilla, queen consort, will move from Clarence House, their London home for decades, to the monarch’s main official residence, Buckingham Palace.

A Clarence House spokesperson said operations there had been halted and a process of consultation with employees about layoffs had begun.

“Our employees have provided a long and loyal service and while layoffs are inevitable, we are working urgently to identify alternative roles for as many employees as possible,” the spokesperson said.

The Guardian reports that up to 100 employees have been told they could lose their jobs, some of whom have worked there for decades. They include personal servants such as messengers, butlers, wardrobe and cooks, in addition to clerical staff.

The notices were issued even as they worked to help the new king through the accession process – including while giving a thank-you service to his mother in Edinburgh, she said. Monday will be a public holiday for the Queen’s funeral.

The Federation of Public and Commercial Services condemned the decision to announce the dismissal during the mourning period, describing it as “cruel”.

“While some changes were expected across families, with roles shifting across the royal family, the scale and speed with which this was announced is very harsh,” said Federation General Secretary Mark Sirotka.

A Clarence House spokesman said the law requires staff to be made aware of the situation at the earliest opportunity.

“Despite all the efforts that were made to postpone until after the funeral, the advice remained the same,” he said. “Reinforced redundant payments will be provided to any employee who is being laid off.”

He added that no employee will be affected for at least three months.

(Reporting by Angus McSwan) Editing by Peter Graf

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