A leading trade union has written to the head of staff at King Charles’s former household calling for him to halt planned job cuts at Clarence House.
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), the sixth largest union in the UK, has written to King Charles’s Principal Private Secretary Sir Clive Alderton, asking him to stop the proposed redundancies and meet with the union ahead of any future consultation.
Earlier this week it was reported that some staff at Clarence House had been warned their jobs were at risk following King Charles III’s accession to the throne.
The union says that up to 100 employees received notification they could be made redundant.
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PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “To issue a notice of redundancy during the period of mourning is shocking and insensitive.
“We call on Sir Clive to think again, to withdraw his letter and engage with us on any future staffing plans.”
Sky News is seeking comment from Clarence House,
The Guardian originally reported that staff were told the news during the thanksgiving service for the Queen in Edinburgh on Monday.
The newspaper revealed a letter from Sir Clive revealing the redundancies, in which he said: “The change in role for our principals will also mean change for our household.”
It continued: “The portfolio of work previously undertaken in this household supporting the former Prince of Wales’s personal interests, former activities and household operations will no longer be carried out, and the household… at Clarence House will be closed down.
“It is therefore expected that the need for the posts principally based at Clarence House, whose work supports these areas will no longer be needed.
“I appreciate that this is unsettling news and I wanted to let you know of the support that is available at this point.”
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King Charles follows Queen’s coffin
Sir Clive added that certain staff providing “direct, close, personal support and advice” to the King and the Queen Consort would remain.
It is understood legal advice taken by the household required the information to be shared with staff at the earliest opportunity.
Watch live stream of the Queen lying in state
On Sunday, Charles III was officially proclaimed King by the Accession Council.
The principal proclamation took place on the balcony at St James’s Palace as trumpets blared, guns were fired from the Tower of London, and the centuries-old ceremony was televised for the first time.
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It was followed by a rendition of God Save the King and “three cheers for the King”.
The King acknowledged his “great inheritance” and “heavy responsibilities” of being passed the monarchy, adding: “I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these Islands and of the Commonwealth Realms and Territories throughout the world.”
The Queen died at Balmoral last Thursday.
