British Council staff in Italy to strike over proposed 80% workforce cut
Staff at the British Council in Italy are set to strike due to proposed cuts that would reduce the workforce by 80%. The cuts are part of a funding crisis linked to a government loan from the Covid pandemic era. This move threatens to end 80 years of English language teaching by the British Council in Italy.
- ▪108 out of 130 teaching staff in Italy are targeted for layoffs.
- ▪The British Council has been facing financial difficulties and is nearly insolvent.
- ▪The cuts would significantly reduce the British Council's presence in Italy, sending a political message about the country's importance.
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British Council staff based in Rome are among those being targeted by the cuts. Photograph: Marc Bruxelle/AlamyView image in fullscreenBritish Council staff based in Rome are among those being targeted by the cuts. Photograph: Marc Bruxelle/AlamyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeBritish Council staff in Italy to strike over proposed 80% workforce cutSoft power institution faces funding crisis linked to Covid-era government loan soon due to be repaidCaroline DaviesWed 20 May 2026 12.34 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleStaff at the British Council in Italy will go on strike on Thursday over deep cuts that would slash about 80% of its workforce due to a funding crisis facing the organisation.Out of 130 of its teaching staff across Rome, Milan and Naples, 108 are being targeted…
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