The National Theatre today confirmed that 400 casual workers will lose their jobs as the theatre industry continues to feel the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
The NT revealed it will pay 250 front of house and 150 backstage staff members until the end of August but they will not be kept on afterwards. The employees were told they would be paid until the end of August in an email sent on Friday morning.
National Theatre said the decision was unavoidable, adding it will still be ‘many months before it will be possible to perform to audiences at usual capacities’. A spokesperson said: ‘We have committed to paying our casual staff until the end of August, but very sadly due to the changes in the government Job Retention Scheme we simply cannot afford to offer financial support beyond that point.’