Staff at the British Council in Italy are set to go on strike in protest against deep cuts that would eliminate approximately 80% of its workforce, as the organization grapples with a severe funding crisis. Out of 130 teaching staff across Rome, Milan, and Naples, 108 positions are at risk, threatening to end 80 years of English language teaching in Italy. This move is part of the British Council's global mission to promote British culture and education, sources revealed.
Strike Actions Planned
Shocked employees will protest outside the British embassy in Rome on Thursday, with another strike scheduled for 4 June. The British Council, a cornerstone of soft power founded in 1934 and 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 approximately £14 million and must be repaid by September.
Impact on Operations
A source indicated that the council's operations in Italy have been "extremely badly hit." They added: "Everybody is very shocked, very upset, very sad, obviously also very angry as well. Because our presence will be so small at the end of all this, it's a very strong political message that Italy isn't important." The British Council provides English language tuition for adults and children, as well as corporate and business classes. It is understood that its exams division would continue under partners, and cultural events would remain.
Financial Peril
Scott McDonald, the British Council's chief executive, has 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 intervenes. According to Politico, 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 reportedly taking place in France, Spain, and Portugal.
Income Streams Under Pressure
In October, McDonald told the foreign affairs select committee that the council was "nearly insolvent." He noted that despite 16 months of negotiation with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), progress had stalled, leaving the organization in "real financial peril." The council's three main income streams—teaching, exams, and development contracts—which constitute 85% of turnover, have all faced pressure during and since the pandemic. The UK has reduced spending on development, and with US development aid gone, fewer projects are available. The council also receives grant-in-aid from the FCDO, which last year was £162 million, making up about 15% of total income.
Union Response
In a post on Instagram, the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL) stated: "The British Council in Italy is about to lay off 108 out of 130 employees and masks this political choice of the British government behind an alleged corporate crisis." It added that the council is a "cultural institution, not a corporation," established to promote "cultural and educational cooperation between the two countries. Firing more than 80% of the workforce deprives Italy of this opportunity."
British Council Statement
A spokesperson for the British Council said that like many international organizations, it continues to face financial challenges after the pandemic. "These include the need to address a significant funding gap and the repayment of a £197m loan provided by the UK government during that period. We are taking all necessary steps to significantly cut costs and grow our revenue so the organization is modern, efficient and able to adapt to changing economic conditions." The spokesperson added: "We are reviewing our operations in several countries and in some cases considering changes to our activities. This includes a proposal to close the British Council’s teaching centres in Italy due to profound changes to learner demand."
The spokesperson emphasized: "We have been working in Italy since 1945 and are hugely proud of the significant contribution made by our network of centres, where our staff and students have helped shape English language learning across the country. We will continue our wider work in Italy, including exams and our work in culture and education, through strong partnerships with institutions, educators and communities." The British Council noted that consultations on proposals for change are at an early stage and declined to share further information at this time.
